Observer Runoff Interview: U.S. House Dist. 3 Candidate Sheri Biggs

Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer

Two candidates are vying for the United States House Dist. 3 seat on Tuesday the S.C. Primary Runoff. Early voting is under way.

Lieutenant Colonel in the Air National Guard, Board Certified Family Nurse Practitioner and Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Sheri Biggs was the only candidate in the race who was interested providing voters with information on her goals and objectives if elected.

While were offered the opportunity to answer a series of questions for votes leading up to the runoff election, only Biggs responded, despite multiple attempts and requests of her opponent Pastor Mark Burns to answer the same questions. The format is simple, with the candidates allowed to answer the questions in their own words without editing, save for grammar and to conform with the Associated Press Style Manual.

Again, only Biggs responded, and here are her answers:

1. How are you different in your approach to government to your opponent?

As a political outsider with extensive service in the military and healthcare, I will bring a fresh perspective and practical experience to a Washington full of self-serving politicians. Mark Burns is a career candidate and political opportunist who has had headline after headline calling him out for his deception and lack of integrity.

My military service has taught me the importance of secure borders and national security. I am committed to building the wall and stopping illegal immigration. Burns has lied about his military service record.

In healthcare, I have seen the impact of fiscal irresponsibility and government overreach. I will fight for fiscal accountability and transparency, contrasting with Burns' mysterious background and lack of transparency. I am deeply committed to conservative values, including protecting the sanctity of life and defending the Second Amendment.

My leadership style is based on servant leadership, listening to constituents, and addressing their needs. I am dedicated to healing our nation by bringing people together and finding common-sense solutions to the most pressing issues facing our community, a community I have been deeply involved in through extensive volunteerism. Burns' self-interest - running for Congress for a third time, following two prior failed runs in the Fourth Congressional District.

2. Will you join the Freedom Caucus is elected?

I support the principles of the federal Freedom Caucus, especially limited government, fiscal responsibility, and individual liberty. As a conservative Republican, I am dedicated to upholding the Constitution and ensuring our government remains accountable to the people. However, since membership is by invitation only, it would be overly presumptuous to assume an invitation. Regardless of which conservative caucuses I may join, my primary mission will be to serve the interests and citizens of the Third Congressional District.

My experience as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Air National Guard and a healthcare professional hasprepared me to address our nation's challenges with a disciplined and principled approach. Whether or not I am invited to join the Freedom Caucus, I will work tirelessly to advance policies that align with conservative values and address the pressing issues facing our country.

Ultimately, my commitment is to the people of South Carolina's Third Congressional District. I will focus on serving their interests, protecting their freedoms, and promoting fiscal responsibility, regardless of the specific caucuses I am part of in Congress.

3. Why did you decide to seek this office? Were you asked to run by any groups or individuals?

I am running for Congress because our nation is at a critical crossroads, and I believe my unique background and experiences can make a real difference. My career as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Air National Guard and as a healthcare professional has given me firsthand insight into the challenges facing our country, from national security to healthcare.

I have always felt a deep calling to serve. This journey began with my military service, where I witnessed the importance of leadership and dedication to country. In my healthcare career, I have seen the struggles of everyday Americans and the impact of government policies on their lives. These experiences have fueled my passion to step up and bring about the change we need in Washington.

While I was not specifically asked to run by any groups or individuals, I have been encouraged and supported by many in our community who share my concerns about the direction of our country. They see the need for a fresh, principled voice in Congress—someone who is not a career politician and candidate but a dedicated servant leader ready to tackle the issues head-on.

I am running to serve the interests and citizens of South Carolina’s Third Congressional District and to help heal our nation.

4. How would you make sure your district is well-represented in Washington?

To ensure my district is well-represented in Washington, I will prioritize listening to the needs and concerns of the citizens of South Carolina’s Third Congressional District. I will make myself available and be accessible through various channels, including social media and local offices, to maintain open lines of communication.

I will advocate tirelessly for policies that directly benefit our district, focusing on job creation, economic growth, healthcare access, and education. My background in the military and healthcare has equipped me with the skills to navigate complex issues and find practical solutions that serve our community.

I will work closely with local leaders, businesses, and organizations to understand their challenges and bring their voices to the national stage. By building strong relationships and coalitions, I can effectively advocate for federal resources and support that address our unique needs.

Additionally, I will be a strong, principled voice for conservative values, ensuring that our district’s interests are always at the forefront of my efforts in Congress. My commitment to transparency, accountability, and servant leadership will guide my actions as I represent the people of South Carolina’s Third Congressional District with integrity and dedication.

5. What is your strategy to make sure Dist. 3 gets its share of federal funding?

My strategy to ensure District 3 receives the attention and resources it deserves is multi-faceted focused on advocacy, collaboration, and transparency.

First, I will actively advocate for our district's needs in Washington by building strong relationships with and the respect of fellow Members of Congress and additional stakeholders. I will utilize memberships on relevant congressional committees and caucuses to further ensure interests of District 3 are always represented and prioritized.

Second, I will also ensure our office's strong working relationship with federal, state and local agencies, particularly in efforts to secure available grants for the district's needs. I will collaborate with local leaders, businesses, and community organizations to identify funding opportunities and develop comprehensive proposals that align with federal priorities. By presenting well-researched and compelling cases for investment, we can increase our chances of securing the necessary funds.

Third, I will ensure transparency and accountability in the allocation of federal funds by keeping constituents informed about available resources and how they are being utilized. Regular updates and open communication will help build trust and ensure that funds are used effectively to benefit our community.

6. When faced with serious issues, to whom to you look to for help gaining deeper understanding or clarification?

I seek and utilize a diverse range of sources for help in gaining a deeper understanding or clarification. I consult with experts in the relevant fields. This includes professionals from the military, healthcare, education, and economic sectors, as their specialized knowledge is invaluable in crafting informed solutions.

I also rely on feedback from my neighbors in our community. In Congress, listening to the people of South Carolina’s Third Congressional District will be crucial, as they will provide firsthand insights and experiences that highlight the real-world impacts of policies. Regular town hall meetings, community forums, and open office hours will help facilitate these important conversations.

Additionally, I seek guidance from trusted advisors and colleagues. In Congress, I will do the same, seeking input from colleagues who share a commitment to conservative principles and have experience navigating complex legislative issues. Their perspectives and advice can offer new angles and solutions I might not have considered.

Furthermore, I turn to my faith for guidance, drawing on the values and principles that have always steered my commitment to service and integrity.

Lastly, I make a point to stay informed through reputable news sources, academic research, and non-partisan think tanks, ensuring I have a well-rounded view of the issues at hand. This comprehensive approach helps me make decisions that are well-informed and in the best interest of my constituents.

7. Do you believe in separation of church and state, and if so, what should that look for you as our representative?

Yes, I believe in the separation of church and state as outlined in the Constitution - that the government does not interfere with religious practices and that no single religion is imposed on the public. As your representative, I will uphold this principle while also protecting the rights of individuals to freely express their faith.

For me, this means supporting policies that allow for religious freedom in public life, such as the right to pray in schools or display religious symbols. It also means opposing efforts to restrict religious expression or force individuals to act against their beliefs. I will work to ensure that faith-based organizations can contribute to our community without undue government interference. With the church being tax-exempt, there are concerns that the government might use this status to exert control. I am committed to protecting churches from government overreach and ensuring they can operate freely without fear of losing their tax-exempt status.

While I will respect the diverse beliefs of all my constituents, my decisions and actions will be guided by my conservative values and Christian faith principles. I believe that our nation’s moral foundation is strengthened by allowing religious voices to be part of the public discourse.

8. What are Dist. 3’s greatest needs and challenges in the next two years?

We must tackle the rising inflation caused by reckless government spending and Bidenomics. Our families are struggling with higher prices for everyday essentials, and we need to cut unnecessary regulations and lower taxes to stimulate economic growth and ensure a robust recovery.

We must secure our borders and address illegal immigration, which impacts our economy and public safety. I will work tirelessly to support strong border security measures and ensure our immigration laws are enforced.

Healthcare remains a pressing issue. We need to improve access to quality care, especially in our rural areas, and address the rising costs that burden our families. My background in healthcare equips me to advocate for practical, conservative solutions that enhance our healthcare system without increasing government control.

Education is also crucial. Our schools need resources to provide quality education and prepare our children for the future. Supporting school choice and empowering parents in their children’s education are vital steps.

Lastly, we must protect our constitutional rights, particularly the Second Amendment, and ensure that our conservative values are upheld in Washington. Addressing these challenges with strong, principled leadership will be my priority as your representative.

9. Would you work with members of the Democratic Party for the good of the nation and/or South Carolina?

I am committed to working with anyone to serve the best interests of our nation and South Carolina. While I have significantly different views than Democrats, I believe in finding common ground when able to address the issues that matter most to our constituents.

For me, working across the aisle means focusing on practical solutions that uphold conservative principles. Whether it’s securing our border, strengthening national security, ensuring quality education for our children, creating energy independence or other issues facing our community and state, I am open to collaborating with anyone who is dedicated to making positive changes.

That said, I will always stand firm on core conservative values such as limited government, fiscal responsibility, and protecting our constitutional rights. Any collaboration must respect these principles. I will not compromise on the fundamental beliefs that define our community and our nation.

By maintaining open lines of communication and demonstrating a willingness to listen and engage in constructive dialogue, I believe we can achieve meaningful progress. My goal is to serve the people of South Carolina’s Third District effectively, and that includes working with all members of Congress to achieve the best outcomes for our state and country.

10. Do you believe in term limits for Congress, and if so, what should those limits be?

Yes, I strongly believe in term limits for Congress and have signed the U.S Term Limits Pledge.

Term limits are essential to preventing career politicians from becoming entrenched in power and losing touch with the people they are supposed to represent. They encourage fresh perspectives and new ideas, which are vital for a healthy, functioning democracy.

The U.S. Term Limit Pledge I signed states that I will co-sponsor and vote for the U.S. Term Limits Amendment of three (3) House terms and two (2) Senate terms and no longer limit. This structure allows elected officials enough time to gain experience and effectively advocate for their constituents, while also ensuring regular opportunities for new candidates to bring innovative solutions to the table.

Implementing universal term limits for both parties and for the U.S. House and U.S. Senate would help reduce corruption, promote accountability, and ensure that representatives remain focused on serving their constituents rather than securing their political careers. It aligns with our conservative principles of limited government and checks on power.

11. What political figure do you admire most and why?

The political figure I admire most is President Ronald Reagan. Reagan’s leadership and unwavering commitment to conservative principles transformed our nation during a critical period in history. His belief in limited government, individual liberty, and free-market capitalism revitalized the American economy and restored national pride.

Reagan’s ability to communicate a clear, optimistic vision for the future resonated with Americans from all walks of life. He understood that the government’s role should be to empower individuals, not control them. His economic policies, often referred to as “Reaganomics,” led to unprecedented economic growth, job creation, and a stronger middle class.

Moreover, Reagan’s strong stance on national security and his dedication to defeating communism were instrumental in ending the Cold War. His famous words, “Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!” symbolized his resolve to promote freedom and democracy around the world.

Reagan’s legacy of principled leadership, effective communication, and dedication to conservative values continues to inspire me. As your representative, I will strive to follow his example by promoting policies that empower individuals, strengthen our economy, and protect our freedoms. His vision for a prosperous, free America remains a guiding light for our nation.