Jason Belton

Jason Belton (Democratic Party) is running for election for South Carolina Secretary of State. He is on the ballot in the general election on November 3, 2026. He advanced from the Democratic primary on June 9, 2026.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a devoted husband, a proud father of six, and a lifelong South Carolinian whose professional and personal life is rooted in service to this state.

As a successful local entrepreneur for over 15 years, I own and operate three separate companies. Through my consulting work, I have trained businesses and non-profits to thrive, while simultaneously working at the high levels of South Carolina politics. I have served the State Democratic Party and multiple successful federal and statewide candidates, helping them navigate the path to victory.

In the legislative arena, I have served as the Executive Director of the South Carolina Statehouse Legislative Progressive Caucus and continue to serve as the Agent for that Caucus today. My operations and labor experience is equally extensive; I'm the former State Operations Director for the AFL-CIO, and established robust new operational systems. I currently serve as the Ethics Chair for the Executive Board and as Director of the SC Workers Foundation.

My leadership is guided by my faith and a passion for advocacy. I am a devotional leader and have served for four years as the Chairman of Trustees for Bible Light Holiness Church Inc. I am also the co-founder of Vision Walkers, an organization dedicated to organizing within marginalized and disenfranchised communities to ensure every neighbor has a voice. I also sit on the board of Justice 360. Fun fact: I love listening to and singing opera and gospel.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Ending Deceptive Practices & Breaking the Corporate Stronghold

For too long, massive corporate interests and high-overhead "corporate non-profits" have operated with little oversight, often at the expense of South Carolina donors. As your Secretary of State, I will break this stronghold by demanding total transparency. My priority is to stop deceptive charity fundraising that siphons money away from legitimate local causes under the guise of "national" relief. I'll implement strict disclosure requirements for professional fundraisers to ensure you know exactly how much of your donation reaches the actual front lines. We will restore integrity to the non-profit sector by weeding out predators and ensuring your money stays in our communitiesEmpowering Local Business Through Accessibility and Efficiency

The backbone of South Carolina’s economy is our local small businesses and neighborhood non-profits, yet they are often burdened by "red tape." I will streamline the filing process and eliminate unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles that stifle growth. To make government work for you, I will bring satellite offices to every county. By partnering with other state agencies and utilizing existing state-funded buildings, we will create local hubs for business registration and services at no additional cost to the taxpayer. We are moving the office out of the capital and into your backyard, ensuring that every entrepreneur has the tools to succeed, regardless of their zip code.Restoring Election Integrity Through Accountable Leadership

Election integrity is the cornerstone of our republic, and it requires ultimate accountability. As the state’s primary record-keeper, the Secretary of State should be a central figure in safeguarding our democratic process. I will advocate for expanded statutory power to serve as the Advisor to the Election Commission. By placing a constitutional officer—who is directly accountable to the voters—at the head of our election system, we can ensure total transparency and uniform standards across all counties. My focus will be on securing our voter rolls, protecting ballot chains, and restoring the public’s confidence that in South Carolina, it is easy to vote but impossible to cheat.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am driven by a commitment to transparency, integrity, and economic growth in South Carolina. My top priority is Business Empowerment: streamlining filings and cutting red tape so entrepreneurs can thrive. I am equally passionate about Consumer Protection, specifically holding charities accountable to ensure South Carolinians’ hard-earned donations reach those truly in need. Finally, I advocate for Modernizing Governance, utilizing technology to increase efficiency and secure our public records. By fostering a climate of trust and innovation, we can ensure South Carolina remains the best place to live and do business.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Iron Workers Local 846

Representative John King

Representative Jerry Govan