The Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce’s Political Action Committee (PAC) is pleased to announce its slate of candidates that will be endorsed or considered qualified for the upcoming elections on November 4. The candidates endorsed below have been closely vetted through the Chamber PAC. 

• Endorsed candidates have strong alignment with the Chamber’s key policy priorities and strong vision for the future of their district.
• Qualified candidates demonstrate an ability to serve effectively if elected or re-elected.

Each candidate below was selected based on their capability to support the business community and advance our region.

S.C. House 98 Special Election (Republican Primary)

Brian Hill
Brian Hill is a small business owner, maritime industry veteran, youth coach and longtime Coosaw Creek resident running to represent District 98 in the State House. Brian’s campaign issues include roads and infrastructure, safe communities and supporting veterans and our military.

S.C. House 98 Special Election (Democrat Primary)

Stephen Kohn
Stephen is a retired U.S. Air Force veteran, businessman and the President-elect of the Charleston Trident Association of REALTORS. Stephen’s campaign issues include investing in public education, building a strong local economy and addressing affordability challenges for residents.

Charleston City Council

District 2 – Kevin Shealy (endorsed)
Kevin Shealy is the owner and operator of the Kevin Shealy Insurance Agency and a life-long resident of West Ashley. As the incumbent, Kevin’s campaign issues are infrastructure, quality of life and supporting businesses.

District 4 – Aaron Polkey (endorsed)
Aaron Polkey is a Charleston native and proud Gullah Geechee, who currently serves as the President and CEO of Palmetto Project. Aaron’s campaign issues include housing affordability, flooding and preserving cultural heritage through public-private partnerships.

District 8 – Mike Seekings (endorsed)
Mike Seekings, who is a lawyer with decades of practice, is currently running for re-election. His various community leadership positions include being Chair of CARTA. Mike, who is an incumbent, is focusing on campaign issues that include infrastructure, transit and maintaining quality of life for residents.

District 10 –  Stephen Bowden (endorsed)
Stephen Bowden is a current lawyer who received his law degree from the University of South Carolina School of Law and is a proud resident of Shadowmoss. As an incumbent, Stephen’s campaign issues center around flood protection, infrastructure improvements and smart development.

District 12 – Leslie Skardon (endorsed) 
Leslie Skardon is a James Island resident and businesswoman, currently serving as the CEO of Sustain SC. Leslie is also a member of the Chamber’s Regional Policy Committee. Her campaign issues include roads and infrastructure, flooding and enhancing quality of life for residents.

Goose Creek City Council (At-large)

Melissa Enos-Sims(endorsed)
Melissa Enos-Sims is a business owner and longtime resident of Goose Creek. As an incumbent, her campaign issues include supporting smart growth and local businesses, public safety and building community partnerships.

Corey McClary(endorsed)
Corey McClary, who has previously served on Goose Creek City Council, is a U.S. Army veteran, Citadel graduate and a current economic development professional in Berkeley County. Corey’s campaign issues focus on strengthening the local economy, supporting schools and addressing traffic.

Gayla McSwain (endorsed)
Gayla McSwain is a U.S. veteran and longtime resident of Goose Creek, having also previously served on the Goose Creek Planning Commission and participated in the Riley Institute Diversity Leadership Initiative. Gayla, who is an incumbent, is focusing on campaign issues that include economic development, public safety and fiscal responsibility.

Town of Mount Pleasant Council

John Iacafano (endorsed)
John Iacafano is a small business owner who has lived in Mount Pleasant with his family for over 20 years. John is running for re-election and is campaigning on housing, quality of life and supporting first responders.

Mike Tinkey (endorsed)
Mike Tinkey is long-time resident of Mount Pleasant and has experience serving as president of Wild Dunes Resort as well as running his own business. He first won a town council seat in a special election earlier this year and is currently running for a new term. Mike’s campaign issues center around enhancing storm water management, resiliency and sustainability and enhancing the quality of life for residents.

Perry Rourk(endorsed)
Perry Rourk is a graduate of the College of Charleston and a small business owner. Perry also participated in the 2023 Civic Leaders Academy in partnership with CTAR and the Homebuilders Association. Perry’s campaign issues include parks and recreation, infrastructure and quality of life.

Kathryn Whitaker (endorsed) 
Kathryn Whitaker is a South Carolina native and current Commissioner for the Town of Mount Pleasant’s Culture, Arts & Pride Commission. Kathryn has spent over 20 years in the legal marketing professional. Her campaign issues include enhancing public service, small business growth and improving neighborhoods.

Political decisions can have long-term impacts on businesses. Being involved in political races allows businesses to help shape policies that provide a stable and predictable operating environment. The Chamber PAC is proud to demonstrate its support for these candidates in their respective races.

Please take the time to review these candidates so that you can be well informed before election day.

For more information on voting in your area, please click the highlighted links for Charleston County, Berkeley County and Dorchester County.