U.S. House District 3 Kevin Bishop
Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer
1. What makes you the best candidate in a crowded field running for this office?
I have the background and experience to hit the ground running if elected to represent South Carolina District 3. I was born and raised in South Carolina and have spent the last 30 years working in Republican politics. As the long-time Communications Director for Senator Lindsey Graham, I was part of a team that achieved some of the biggest conservative victories in memory. I played an active role in the Senate confirmations of Supreme Court Justices Bret Kavanaugh, Amy Coney Barrett, Neil Gorsuch, Samuel Alito, and Chief Justice John Roberts. They comprised 5 of the 6 Justices who gave us the historic pro-life victory in Dobbs. I was also involved in the impeachment efforts against former President Bill Clinton and worked to twice acquit President Trump. I have traveled to the US-Mexico border three times since Joe Biden was
elected President and met with U.S. Border Patrol and customs officials about the immigration crisis. My visits to the Border Patrol Sectors of Yuma (AZ), Tucson (AZ) and Del Rio (TX) have given me the first-hand knowledge and insight to be a valuable, informed advocate for tougher immigration policies. I know the most important priority to regain control of our southern border is to elect President Trump. It will take a new President with new policies and a much different attitude - discouraging illegal immigration, not
welcoming it - to stem the tide. Only by the reimplementation of Trump border policies such as Remain in Mexico and Expedited Removal authority will we begin to regain control of the situation. I will support President Trump's efforts to reinstitute the border policies he deployed in his first term. They worked before and they will work again. I will also support President Trump's efforts to deport illegal immigrants who have broken and abused our laws to gain admittance into our country. I will support the completion of the border wall as well as supporting additional miles of fencing. In his visit to the Tucson Sector in 2021, he saw first-hand how Biden's Executive Order to stop construction of the border fence was among the dumbest decisions in American history.
2. How would you evaluate the job Jeff Duncan did in this position?
On conservative policy, I thought Jeff Duncan did a very good job for this District. I agreed with 98% of what he did and the vast, vast majority of the votes he cast. In fact, it's easier to say where I disagreed than list all the areas of agreement. I will be different than Jeff Duncan on one point. I believe as the Third District representative we have an obligation to ask for specific funding items for this district. Jeff would never ask for or put his name by specific funding items. I will. If a town, city, county, first responders, economic development agency, or the like come to my office and everyone is in agreement - 'Hey, we're putting our money in. We need some help with this water and sewer system. We want the federal government to kick in some money. Will you help us?' My answer will be Yes! When our towns, cities, counties, first responders, economic development - when they are all on board, they are putting in their own money and they've
got a plan - I will be their partner. I agreed with Jeff Duncan on so many votes, but this is one area that I'm
going to go in a totally different direction. But again. Get your team onboard, everybody figure out which way we're rowing, I'll come in, grab an oar, and help you. I want to be a partner. I think that's an incredibly important piece of the job for a congressman to do and I'm ready to do it.
3. Is there anything you will do differently that you consider a more effective path to serving the Third District?
As noted above I want to be a partner with our local towns, cities, counties, first responders, economic development agencies and more. Congressman Duncan was not as involved in funding and regulatory issues for them as I will be. I think it's an overlooked but incredibly important piece of the job. I will be very active on that front.
4. What are the three most pressing issues for this district and how would you address each?
Under Biden, every town in America is now a border town. That is how bad the Biden policies on immigration have become. I have traveled to the US-Mexico border three times since Joe Biden was elected President and met with U.S. Border Patrol and customs officials about the immigration crisis. My visits to the Border Patrol Sectors of Yuma (AZ), Tucson (AZ) and Del Rio (TX) have given me the first-hand knowledge and insight to be a valuable, informed advocate for tougher immigration policies. I know the most important priority to regain control of our southern border is to elect President Trump. It will take a new President with new policies and a much different attitude - discouraging illegal immigration, not
welcoming it - to stem the tide. Only by the reimplementation of Trump border policies such as Remain in Mexico and Expedited Removal authority will we begin to regain control of the situation.
I will support President Trump's efforts to reinstitute the border policies he deployed in his first term. They worked before and they will work again. I will also support President Trump's efforts to deport illegal immigrants who have broken and abused our laws to gain admittance into our country. I will fight Biden inflation. Since Joe Biden became President the costs of groceries, gas, and dining out have gone up 25 percent. Increased prices on everyday items at the grocery store and gas pump hit the family budget hard.
As a father of four, I know this problem all too well. I am committed to getting our nations' fiscal house in order and will work with President Trump to support policies which restrain spending and grow our economy. I support the extension of the tax cuts President Trump passed in his first term. I will also oppose any efforts to expand or extend President Biden's Inflation Reduction Act which actually created additional inflationary pressure and led to higher prices for consumers.
5. What are the three most pressing issues facing the U.S. House of Representatives moving into 2025?
. Immigration.
. Biden Inflation.
. Rising tide of antisemitism on college campuses and really, across America. I have been shocked to see college students and many young people expressing support for Hamas. It has been eye opening and frankly, scary. Israel will have no better friend in the U.S. House of Representatives. I will stand with Israel without apology - Today. Tomorrow. Always.
6. What is your philosophy of working with other elected representatives, some of whom you may have different viewpoints?
In Congress, I will work with anyone of goodwill.
I also believe in treating people, even those who disagree with me, with respect. It is just who I am and how I was raised. I have tried to instill those values in my four kids as well.