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Kasie Whitener
From Ballotpedia
Tenure
Present officeholder
Kasie Whitener is an officeholder of the Libertarian Party of South Carolina Chair.
Whitener (Libertarian Party) is running for election to the U.S. Senate to represent South Carolina. She declared candidacy for the 2026 election.
Whitener completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. Click here to read the survey answers.
Biography
Kasie Whitener was born in Florence, South Carolina. She graduated from Herndon High School. She earned a bachelor's degree from Clemson University in 1999, a graduate degree from Winthrop University in 2004, and a Ph.D. from Capella University in 2014. Her career experience includes working as an assistant professor.[1]
Elections
2026
See also: United States Senate election in South Carolina, 2026
Note: At this time, Ballotpedia is combining all declared candidates for this election into one list under a general election heading. As primary election dates are published, this information will be updated to separate general election candidates from primary candidates as appropriate.
General election
The general election will occur on November 3, 2026.
General election for U.S. Senate South Carolina
The following candidates are running in the general election for U.S. Senate South Carolina on November 3, 2026.
Candidate | ||
 | Lindsey Graham (R) | |
 | Annie Andrews (D) | |
 | Brandon Brown (D) | |
 | Catherine Fleming Bruce (D) | |
 | Kyle Freeman (D)  | |
| Christopher Giracello (D) | ||
| Lee Johnson (D) | ||
| Paul Dans (R) | ||
 | Mark Lynch (R) | |
 | Kasie Whitener (L) | |
| Jack Ellison (Independent) | ||
| Cindy Glaser (Independent) | ||
| Paul Sedletsky (Independent) | ||
| Reece Wright-McDonald (Independent) | ||
| ||||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
- Andre Bauer (R)
Endorsements
Ballotpedia is gathering information about candidate endorsements. To send us an endorsement, click here.
Campaign themes
2026
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Kasie Whitener completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Whitener's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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Dr. Kasie Whitener is a writer, business owner, radio host, and educator at the University of South Carolina. She is the co-host for “Mornings with Kasie and Kev” on 100.7 The Point. Kasie earned her PhD in Organization and Management in 2014 and joined the Darla Moore School of Business at USC in 2017. She is a Clinical Assistant Professor teaching entrepreneurship and strategic management and a director of the Faber Entrepreneurship Center. She’s also the voice of “Moore Impact,” the Darla Moore School of Business’s live radio show and podcast. In addition to her full course load at the Moore School, Kasie hosts Write On SC, a weekly radio show, and podcast teaching the craft and business of writing. She has bachelor's and master's degrees in English from Clemson and Winthrop respectively, and authored two novels, After December (2019) and Before Pittsburgh (2021). She was a two-term President of the South Carolina Writers Association, and still serves on the Board. She was the Richland County Chairperson for the South Carolina Libertarian Party (SCLP) for two terms and currently Chair of the State Committee for the SCLP. Kasie is a Florence native who grew up in Herndon, Virginia, but returned to South Carolina when she enrolled at Clemson University in 1995. She currently lives in Blythewood with her husband, Charlie, and their teenaged daughter.
- Dignity. I promise to be the hardest vote to get in the Senate and the person most likely to work with anyone, regardless of party, to do the right thing for our nation. South Carolina can be the first state to reject the corruption eroding our democracy by electing an independent candidate not beholden to major party machinery. Transparent, accessible representation of South Carolina. Not bipartisan politics, warmongering, and divisiveness.
- Honesty. I promise to take an active role in the oversight function of the Senate. Politics has become theater: Washington is a stage and our representatives are all acting. We need serious people willing to do the serious work of reforming our systems and institutions to reduce waste, prevent fraud, and prosecute abuse. The job of the Senate is oversight, I expect to play an active role in holding organizations accountable.
- Integrity. I promise to contain spending and demand fiscal responsibility including a balanced budget delivered on time. Our national debt is a security threat, an unsustainable burden, and totally unnecessary. Our government should be able to operate within its means. I am committed to a reduction in federal spending of 5% per department per year until we get spending under control. We must find a way out of debt. I am eager to know your perspective and expectations and will be a transparent, accessible representative for you in the Senate.
Fiscal responsibility and government oversight are my two main reasons for running for office. Our current political landscape is full of actors, performers, who play at politics but don't actually do the work. We need serious people who will roll up their sleeves and do the hard work of governing, not party puppets who spend us into bankruptcy while enriching themselves.
I always looked up to my grandparents, Bill and Myrtle Johnson. There were regular people who served their community with love and joy. They both worked full time and they had five children, but they also volunteered regularly at their church. Nana was in a garden club, drove for Meals on Wheels, and worked with Lighthouse Ministries providing bill-pay help to those in need. Papa was in the Shrine Club and helped raise money for kids who needed medical attention. Most evenings on the way home from work, Papa stopped at his own parents' farm to do chores and bring fresh eggs and vegetables back to his own family. They taught me that a life lived in service to others is something to be proud of and that work is valuable not only for the value created but also for the experience earned. I try to follow their example and put myself in service whenever possible. I joke with my friends and colleagues that I'm in my "say yes!" era.
I'm a fan of the press conference in The American President when Michael Douglas's character stands up to Richard Dreyfuss by saying America is advanced citizenship and we need serious people to do the work. He says, "whatever your particular problem is, I promise you Bob Rumson is not the least bit interested in solving it. He is interested in two things, and two things only: making you afraid of it, and telling you who's to blame for it. That, ladies and gentlemen, is how you win elections." It is not, however, how we actually govern. I'm in agreement that too much of politics is theater. My philosophy is do the work or get out of the way for those of us who can and are willing.
I have been blogging weekly during my campaign in response to the process and the current political climate. Like all philosophies, mine is a learning, growing, evolving experience. I would invite people to come along with me on the journey, subscribe to the blog. Some of my recent political reads include The Worldly Philosophers, The Dictator's Handbook, Confessions of an Economic Hitman, and Griftopia. The West Wing is a favorite TV show. I like the scene in "Dave" when they cut the budget.
I have been blogging weekly during my campaign in response to the process and the current political climate. Like all philosophies, mine is a learning, growing, evolving experience. I would invite people to come along with me on the journey, subscribe to the blog. Some of my recent political reads include The Worldly Philosophers, The Dictator's Handbook, Confessions of an Economic Hitman, and Griftopia. The West Wing is a favorite TV show. I like the scene in "Dave" when they cut the budget.
Honesty, dignity, and integrity. Tell the truth. Act with civility, in the best interests of our state and our nation. Do what you say you're going to do.
I'm a hard worker, someone who doesn't shy away from challenging problems or situations. I'm very collaborative and solution-oriented. I am direct and honest, I don't waste time with excuses or blame. I have compassion and I lead with love first. It's my commitment to love that I think differentiates me. As many are quick to accuse and excoriate, I seek to understand, and extend trust. I hope to bring that love-first approach to my service to the US Senate.
Core responsibilities of a Senator are representing your state, approving or rejecting legislation, investigation and oversight of government agencies and officials, and management of the office of the Senator. Senators must be able to collaborate and should be leaders with a vision for our nation's prosperity and security.
I hope people who knew me will say I had fun, that I led with love, and that I was joyful. It would also be pretty special to be known as the first woman to be elected Senator from South Carolina. More importantly, if I could break the duopoly's hold on our state, that would be a great legacy.
The first historical event I remember is the Challenger explosion on January 28, 1986. I had a poster of the Challenger crew on my bedroom wall and was really into space exploration at the time. We had been to the Air & Space museum dozens of times and I couldn't wait to see the first civilian, school teacher Christa McAuliffe, go into space. I was nine years old, almost ten, and we were home from school that day. Mom called us up from the basement to watch. After the explosion, we just kind of sat there, dumbfounded, until mom told us to go back downstairs and play.
I was a lifeguard at the pool where I also swam eight practices a week for a year-round team and coached little kids on form and technique. I did that for four years of high school and one year during college.
The Bronze Horseman by Paullina Simons is a tremendous historical romance. I credit it with my first book hangover: I loved it so much, nothing else would satisfy for weeks. Then I found the sequel! I would put that moment at one of the happiest of my life. I ran across the street in the snow from my hotel to Barnes and Noble to buy Tatiana and Alexander right before they closed. Avid readers will understand the book hangover, it's a real thing. Hard to explain why I loved The Bronze Horseman so much, but I started it Monday midday and finished it Friday morning. It's 912 pages long.
She-Ra, Princess of Power. From the old cartoon. The new cartoon is okay, but the old one rules.
"Take a Chance on Me" by ABBA was stuck in my head recently. I love a good ABBA jam (it could have just as easily been Dancing Queen). Take a Chance on Me resonates these days as I'm asking the voters of South Carolina to act outside of their usual election patterns. I'm asking them to take a chance on voting for a third party candidate, giving up their seniority-laden incumbent, and reject the corruption of the duopoly. I promise they won't regret it. I'm going to do my very best.
My career has been a patchwork of preparation meeting opportunity. Because I didn't follow a traditional path in corporate, academia, consulting, or entrepreneurship, I have sometimes struggled to earn equitable compensation. Had I remained in one discipline, maybe a steady income would have provided stability. Instead, I took chances and those chances sometimes meant working for significantly less than I was worth. I was prepared to do the work, and took the opportunity, but sometimes the experience I brought to the table was undervalued. I just kept working, proving myself again and again to be a valuable contributor in every role I earned.
The biggest challenge to our great nation is corruption in our government, steered by the unchecked influence of the Republican and Democrat parties. These two political parties continue to amass wealth and power, and construct the political environment to ensure their own survival and prosperity. Ours is no longer a representative government. The government has been fully sold to corporate interests, lobbies, and cronies. As a nation, we must decide we’ve had enough, and take back control of the mechanisms of government. We cannot succeed without engaged citizens.
When we elect more independents and establish a coalition government, our next-biggest challenge will be reducing the deficit and trying to establish financial stability for future generations to come. This will require a combination of raising more funds, and making significant cuts to government spending. It will hurt us all to dig out of the abyss, but the long-term survival of our nation depends on the heroism of bold actors and truth-tellers.
When we elect more independents and establish a coalition government, our next-biggest challenge will be reducing the deficit and trying to establish financial stability for future generations to come. This will require a combination of raising more funds, and making significant cuts to government spending. It will hurt us all to dig out of the abyss, but the long-term survival of our nation depends on the heroism of bold actors and truth-tellers.
Term limits have been ruled unconstitutional. Their suggested use is born of a valid, and almost universal concern over the longevity of some incumbents. The state of South Carolina elected Strom Thurmond for eight consecutive terms. Senator Lindsey Graham has been elected four consecutive times, so I, too, am familiar with the frustration. In our state, there is a compulsion to maintain a single Senator and earn seniority in the party and in Congress.
The average length of time Senators spend in office has increased over time, with the trend toward career legislator and away from citizen legislator. This is primarily because of the political machinery of the Republican and Democrat parties. Incumbents and major party candidates have significant advantages in the election cycle, not the least of which is financing. But term limits are not the answer. It is also an almost impossible task, asking sitting legislators to pass a law to end their own careers.
The most unique qualities of the Senate are equal representation for all 50 states and that one third of its members are elected every two years. There is both balance, and a shift, wisely built in by the framers. The Senate’s six-year terms and experienced two-thirds design ensure continuity and stability. Revered for its dignity, order of rules, and decorum, the Senate is intentionally a small organization meant to be a learning, thinking, deliberative body. Senate committees, through investigation, gain insight on the scope and implications of government action. The Senate is tasked with government oversight, acting as the collective voice of the nation to select the best nominees for important posts, and review regulations and activities. Its most important role is holding the government accountable on behalf of the governed.
Politics is about achieving mutually-beneficial outcomes. It is through relationships, negotiation, and compromise that such achievements are made. I do not believe political skills are learned only through a job in government or politics. While understanding the operations of the legislature is advantageous, a Senator serves six years which is more than enough time to learn the ropes, forge relationships, and be an effective legislator.
I have no problem with the filibuster. I am opposed to omnibus bills which are introduced without enough time for thorough review. This causes votes to be rushed and bills containing pork barrel items that are not relevant to the work of the bill. If the filibuster can buy time to evaluate a bill or stop passage of a destructive bill, then I’m for it. Part of the problem with our legislative process is that large funding bills are shoved through party channels, and individuals who should be representing their states are heavily pressured to act in the best interest of their party, not the state they represent. If the filibuster can provide a space for discussion of harmful legislation, possibly leading to honest votes –not party-whipped votes, then I support it.
I admire Dr. Rand Paul from Kentucky and the work he does on oversight through the Homeland Security and Government Affairs committee. I also like that he continues to be a budget hawk. I am looking forward to joining him as the hardest vote to earn in the Senate.
A panda walks into a bar, orders a burger, finishes his meal, pulls out a gun, shoots the bartender, and walks out. When he's chased into the parking lot, the manager demands, "What have you done?" The panda replies, "I'm a panda. Look it up." Back inside, the dictionary open, the manager reads, "panda: eats shoots and leaves." Moral of the story? Punctuation matters.
Education, experience, understanding of the post, and recognition of the scope of work. It is critical to understand each nominee’s interpretation of the text of the US Constitution. I would question them on their previous case rulings, as well as historical cases and precedents. I believe vetting judicial nominees to be one of the highest honors, and most critical responsibilities, of the US Senate. There should not be any political machinations or automatic approvals.
I believe the Senate to be a place of professionalism and dignity. One that should be above partisan bickering and the shifting political winds. I will forge strong relationships with my colleagues, regardless of party. I will establish rapport, identify common interests, and respect one another’s commitment to serving our country. Without membership in a major party, I will not have the traditional internal caucuses. Instead, I can work with members of both parties and tackle issues that are important to South Carolina. I am interested in collaboration and team work. I am intolerant of childish antics, performative politics and attention-seeking stunts.
Yes, I believe compromise is both necessary and desirable. The trap of zero-sum politics sows division and serves the Republicans and Democrats by enabling them to raise more money through their performances for the media. It’s not governance, it’s theater. We need serious work done by serious people. Turn off the cameras and get to work. Elected officials should stop thinking about donors and start thinking about citizens.
The Senate’s investigative powers are implied, but not explicitly stated in the Constitution. It is incumbent upon the Senate to exercise oversight through its investigations. For example, the failure of the Department of Homeland Security to fulfill a mandate from its inception that it create a procedure to track entry and exit at our borders. The Senate should investigate why that mandate has not been fulfilled.
Once agency deficiencies are investigated, the Senate committee report should suggest changes to processes and departments that are dysfunctional. Those changes should be audited during the budget review process. The Senate should not waste its investigative powers on theatrical efforts, but should hold institutions, corporations, and organizations accountable.
Education, experience, understanding of the post, recognition of the scope of work expected, and ability to articulate all of those things in a hearing. These appointees are entrusted to direct the activities of federal organizations. Through Senate review, the American people are putting their trust in Cabinet officers. It is absolutely vital that they be chosen objectively, fairly on their merits, and without political bias.
The Appropriations committee, Homeland Security and Government Affairs committee, Rules and Administration committee, and Small Business and Entrepreneurship committee are areas where I will best represent South Carolina in pursuit of critical reforms. My education and experience are suited to operational oversight work.
The biggest crisis of our lifetime is the ever-growing national debt. We, as voters, have failed to hold our elected officials accountable for their reckless spending. Spending bills should be considered as individual units of legislation, not omnibus pork barrel-rich shove-throughs. Congress should take its budget oversight role seriously and bring us back to balance, reduce spending to fight the debt, and answer for the pork and pet projects they use as bargaining chips. Agencies should expect to reduce their spending, everyone is responsible for the bloat and gluttony that has ruled Washington for too long.
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Campaign finance summary
Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.
See also
2026 Elections
External links
Footnotes
- ↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on June 18, 2025
Senators
Lindsey Graham (R)
Tim Scott (R)
Representatives
District 1
Nancy Mace (R)
District 2
Joe Wilson (R)
District 3
Sheri Biggs (R)
District 4
William Timmons (R)
District 5
Ralph Norman (R)
District 6
James Clyburn (D)
District 7
Russell Fry (R)
Republican Party (8)
Democratic Party (1)
