Jeremy Jones

Jeremy Jones was born in Columbia, South Carolina. He graduated from A.C. Flora High School. He earned a bachelor's degree and a graduate degree from the University of South Carolina, Aiken, in 2017 and 2023, respectively. His career experience includes working as a case manager.[1][2]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I was born in Columbia, South Carolina, and currently lives in Lexington, South Carolina. I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of South Carolina Aiken in 2017, and I earned a Master of Business Administration from the University of South Carolina Aiken in 2023. My career experience spans from multiple different industry from being a Substitute Teacher in Lexington Schools, a Retail Operations manager, now working from home as an Integrated Claims Examiner for the past two years. I have served as on the Alumni Board member for the University of South Carolina Aiken and have served as VP for Young Democrats of South Carolina and Chair of the Young Democrats of the Central Midlands. I currently serve as the Lexington County Democratic Party Executive Committeeman to the South Carolina Democratic Party Executive Committee. He has also been affiliated with the NAACP and has also served as a Jim Clyburn Fellow.

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?

We need smart growth that doesn’t take away from the charm of Lexington.We need to fix traffic and infrastructure problems to get the best of our growth.We need safer streets, schools, neighborhoods and businesses.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am very passionate about economic, energy, healthcare and education policy.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a Lexington County Democratic Party leader. I am from Columbia, South Carolina and have lived in Lexington since 2017. I currently work as a full time contractor with the Department of Health and Human Services since March 2023. I have been a member of the South Carolina Democratic Party since 2007. I have been associated with the Young Democrats of South Carolina since 2013.

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?

We need smart growth in our district that doesn’t take away from the charm of Lexington.We need to fix traffic problems because of our growth.We need safer streets, schools, neighborhoods and businesses.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am very passionate about economic, energy, healthcare and education policy.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

I look up to my mother because she worked really hard to give me and my brother a good life. And I like that she has showed me her grit and tenacity to overcome obstacles of being a single mother.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Hard worker, social skills, honorable, leadership

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

Hardworking, social skills, servant leader, and I will not be bought

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

Constituent services, create good laws that affect not only their district but the good of South Carolina, support their voters needs

What legacy would you like to leave?

I would like to be known as a legislator that helped my voters live a better life and that South Carolina as whole has gotten better.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

9/11 and I was 8 years old.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

Publix bagger and 1 year

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

The West Wing President

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

Mean by Taylor Swift

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

As someone with a mental health disorder, I have struggled with maintaining a level of sense of understanding of how to stay positive witha disability. But I work very hard to stay positive.

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?

The state legislature creates bills for the governor to sign or veto and hold accountable his cabinet to their job.

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

Our growth, housing affordability, being able to fill open jobs, and our roads and bridges

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

No not necessarily, those who have abilities in subjects relating to multiple subjects can be able to navigate the legislative process.

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

Yes being able to work across the aisle and other legislators will help you learn the process and get bills across the finish line to be signed into law.

Is there a particular legislator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

Storm Thurmond because he cared about his constituents

Are you interested in running for a different political office (for example, the U.S. Congress or governor) in the future?

Maybe

Both sitting legislators and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

Yes my neighbor has three children and she has to pay for childcare services that puts them in a pinch every pay period. And she also knows the childcare system is not working for parents here in SC and there needs to be changes.

Should the legislature oversee or grant the use of emergency powers?

Depends on the situation

What is the first bill you would introduce if elected?

Ensure that parents only pay 7% of their income on childcare and give more money to childcare providers

What committees interest you?

Education and Judicial

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

Government officials should be transparent about our finances and should be accountable for their actions they make in the state house