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Roger Pruitt
Roger Pruitt (Democratic Party) is running for election to the U.S. House to represent South Carolina's 2nd Congressional District. He declared candidacy for the 2026 election.[source]
Pruitt completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. Click here to read the survey answers.
Biography
Roger Pruitt was born at Blytheville AFB in Arkansas. He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1987 to 1991. He graduated from Pine Forest Senior High School. He attended Fayetteville Technical Institute and Bluefield College. He earned a bachelor's degree from Ashford University in 2011. His career experience includes working as an attorney and professor. He has been affiliated with the American Bar Association, the South Carolina Bar Association, and the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys.[1]
Elections
2026
See also: South Carolina's 2nd Congressional District election, 2026
General election
The general election will occur on November 3, 2026.
General election for U.S. House South Carolina District 2
Incumbent Joe Wilson, Roger Pruitt, and David Robinson II are running in the general election for U.S. House South Carolina District 2 on November 3, 2026.
Candidate | ||
 | Joe Wilson (R) | |
 | Roger Pruitt (D)  | |
 | David Robinson II (D) | |
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| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
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Endorsements
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Campaign themes
2026
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Roger Pruitt completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Pruitt's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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I was born into a family that believes in hard work and country over self. My father served 22 years in the Air Force, earning his GED while raising a family. My mother did not finish the eighth grade, but raised me with wisdom that cannot be taught in a classroom. They built their life through grit and faith and passed those values on to me.
After my time in the military, I enjoyed a fulfilling 23-year career as a bankruptcy paralegal before embarking on my journey to law school, after which I proudly became a bankruptcy attorney. Throughout my career, I've been dedicated to helping small businesses and families find their way back when life threw them challenges. I've witnessed firsthand how misguided policies and broken systems can impact real lives. My passion lies in problem-solving, and I’ve always focused on making things better rather than contributing to the challenges we face.- I promise to always put our 2nd District first—streamlining every dollar with performance-driven budgeting, investing in career-ready schools and broadband, and building resilient roads, workforce skills, and industry here at home—so that every family, town, and small business can thrive.
- It is time to stop wasting taxpayer dollars and deliver real returns for working families.
My Priorities for Fiscal Responsibility and Accountability include: Insisting upon balancing the budget through aggressive review of fraud, waste, and abuse, and ending duplicate services while protecting entitlements. Oppose unfunded mandates and corporate handouts. Ensure every federal dollar benefits every South Carolina community.
Develop alternate revenue streams through innovative decisions. - No matter the ZIP code, every family deserves access to quality, affordable care. My Priorities for Healthcare Access includes: Reopening or replaceing shuttered rural hospitals with federal support. Expand funding for community health clinics and mental health services. Lower prescription drug costs and protect Medicare and Medicaid. Sustain and install telehealth for rural and underserved communities through broadband infrastructure modernization. This is especially important to a community like Barnwell County that lost its only hospital and now it takes 30-45 minutes to get to a hospital in a life threatening situation that an urgent care facility might not be able to take care of.
Education where every child gets a world-class education in a safe, modern facility with the best educators and personnel.
Fiscal Responsibility where it is time to stop wasting taxpayer's hard earned dollars and deliver real returns for working families, insisting upon a balanced while still protecting the social safety net.
Job growth where every South Carolinian gets a good job, fair wages, and a pathway to entrepreneurship and skilled trades.
Outside of my family, one leader whose example I deeply respect is Ronald Reagan. Now, I’m a centrist Democrat, and I didn’t agree with all of Reagan’s policies, but what I admired was his optimism, his civility, and his ability to lead with vision rather than division. He believed in America as that ‘shining city on a hill’, a place where freedom, fairness, and opportunity could thrive. He knew how to disagree without tearing the country apart, and he treated political opponents with dignity, not contempt.
Also, Eisenhower's Farewell Address when leaving office where he warned of political overreach and emphasized national unity, fiscal prudence, and peace.
And then Ronald Reagan's "Shining City on a Hill" speech where he talks of seeing America as not just a powerful nation but a moral and just example of what can be...a beacon of hope and freedom showing strength, unity, and idealism. And his Farewell Address where he talked about American renewal and pride, Patriotism and remembering our founding, and the role of people and to celebrate "common sense and decency" for all people.
Being accountable and taking responsibility for actions and decisions made without casting blame other places.
Acting ethically, telling the truth, and keeping promises.
Making tough decisions even when unpopular because it is the right thing to do.
The willingness to compromise and work with others that might not share your outlook or viewpoint for the benefit of all.
As a veteran of the U.S. intelligence community and the son of a 22-year Air Force serviceman, I have lived a life rooted in duty, discipline, and country before self. I understand what it means to be accountable, not just to a party, but to the people you serve.
As a bankruptcy attorney, I have sat across the table from families and small businesses in crisis. I know what it means to navigate hard choices, protect people’s dignity, and work toward realistic solutions. That kind of experience is missing in Washington.
I listen more than I talk. I believe in common sense over soundbites, and I know how to build trust with people from all walks of life. That is how you get things done in Congress, and in any community.
I will not be anyone’s rubber stamp. I am running as a centrist Democrat because I believe in accountability, fiscal responsibility, and putting people ahead of politics. I will work with anyone, Democrat or Republican, if it helps the people of South Carolina.
One should understand and take seriously that they represent all constituents, not just supporters or party loyalists.
Should understand the position they are entering into and protect the responsibilities of that position while providing a checks and balance on the executive branch and federal agencies, where needed. One should never usurp the responsibilities.
I want my children to grow up in a country where character matters more than celebrity, where hard work is respected, and where leaders still tell the truth, even when it is hard. I want them to see that public service can still be honorable, and that decency and common sense can still lead the way.
That celebration left an impression on me. It was the first time I truly understood that I was part of something bigger, an American story that stretched back 200 years and was still being written. Growing up on a military base, surrounded by service and sacrifice, that moment helped shape how I see my role as a citizen and now as a candidate: to serve, to unite, and to do my part to keep that American story moving forward.
It taught me early what a lot of people in South Carolina already know, that if you want something, you work for it. You take care of your responsibilities, treat people fairly, and you keep your word.
What I admire most is that he never forgot where he came from. He did not pretend to be perfect, but he told the truth, took responsibility, and put the country first, even when it cost him politically. The buck truly did stop with him. That is the kind of leadership I believe in. That is the kind of public servant I strive to be.
Both characters remind me that leadership is not about thrones or titles, it is about serving something greater than yourself. Whether you are holding a sword or a ballot, the real test is what you do for the people who need you most.
It is a classic earworm, and honestly, it reminds me of growing up in a military family, moving around, but always longing for a sense of home. Plus, it’s just hard not to sing along when it comes on.
That journey taught me humility. It taught me what accountability really means, not just to others, but to myself. And it deepened my compassion for people who are fighting their own battles quietly, every day. Addiction doesn’t care about your politics, your job title, or your background, it affects families in every community, including right here in South Carolina.”
With 435 members, the House has the smallest districts and shortest terms, just two years. This means Representatives are constantly accountable to their constituents, not entrenched for life.
Because of its size and election cycle, the House evolves faster than any other branch. It has become a mirror of America’s demographic and ideological diversity, from rural towns to major cities. The House is constantly changing, growing with the nation.
As a bankruptcy attorney and intelligence veteran, I’ve spent my career solving problems, under pressure, with lives and livelihoods on the line. That’s the kind of experience Washington needs more of. Not more polished politicians, but more people who know what it means to work, serve, and fix what’s broken.
We must restore trust in government and show our constituents that we serve them. We can accomplish this through full transparency, clean government and elected officials that make themselves accessible to their districts.
We must return to being the leader in a High-Tech global economy through smart investment in education, workforce training, and technological infrastructure investment, especially in rural and working-class communities like many of those found in South Carolina's 2nd Congressional District.
We must fix the broken healthcare system. We must look as common-sense healthcare reform that reduces costs, expands rural access, and protects Medicare and Medicaid without bankrupting the next generation.
And lastly, we must rebuild our National Unity. We are more divided now than at any point in modern history, by party, race, class, and geography. We need leaders who listen more than they shout, who put country before party, and who know that patriotism means caring about all Americans, not just those who vote your way.
The downside is that it pushes some politicians into permanent campaign mode, chasing headlines, not solutions. It can make long-term planning harder and deepen polarization.
But others have influenced my thoughts on politics, as well.
Rep. Barbara Jordan, for her moral clarity and courage in defending the Constitution during Watergate. And Rep. John Lewis, for his conviction, moral compass, and commitment to peaceful change.
Too often, politicians treat compromise like a dirty word. But the truth is: no side has a monopoly on wisdom, and real progress requires give-and-take. When we refuse to listen to each other, the people lose. But when we come to the table in good faith, we get things done, whether it’s rebuilding roads, expanding rural healthcare, or keeping our communities safe.
Compromise doesn’t mean abandoning your principles. It means having the courage to negotiate, the humility to listen, and the responsibility to deliver results for the people who you serve.
As a centrist Democrat, I am drawn to coalition because it’s rooted in practical problem-solving, not performative politics. I believe in standing firm on values, but flexible in approach. You can’t fix a broken system by shouting from the sidelines.
Where we spend, and how we pay for it, isn’t just bookkeeping. It’s a reflection of our values. As a centrist Democrat, that’s why I believe Congress should stop writing blank checks, stop playing budget brinkmanship, and start governing with discipline, transparency, and purpose.
As a Representative, I Would Use This Power To:
Demand fiscal responsibility by pushing for balanced, transparent budgeting.
Protect working families from irresponsible tax hikes and unfunded mandates.
Invest wisely in infrastructure, rural development, education, and veterans, without ballooning the deficit.
Stop giveaways to special interests and close wasteful loopholes that benefit the well-connected.
Also I will use the House’s constitutional power over revenue not as a political weapon, but as a way to make sure federal dollars are used wisely, fairly, and with real results.
Unfortunately, we have seen too many investigations in recent years that are more about headlines than honesty. That’s not oversight, it is partisanship. I believe investigations should be fact-based, bipartisan where possible, and focused on solving real problems, not scoring political points.
First committee that interests me is the House Armed Services Committee where I can use my background in intelligence and help strengthen America's military readiness and support our service members, especially those serving as Fort Jackson, the Savannah River Site, and across South Carolina. Of top priority would be veteran and military families and how they can help our communities while getting the support they need.
Another committee would be the House Judiciary Committee using my experience as a Bankruptcy Attorney to ensure our legal system is fair, constitutional, and accessible to all.
The House Financial Services Committee would allow me to use my experience in finance to help families and small businesses navigate through financial hardships, where I would be the voice of financial responsibility, consumer protections, and smart lending reform.
And the last committee would be the House Agriculture Committee where I could support the backbone of South Carolina's and the 2nd District's economy. Rural communities, should as Barnwell, Aiken, and Orangeburg Counties, deserve a champion in Washington to support them and their needs.
As a centrist Democrat, I believe in fiscal discipline, clean government, and accountability from the top down. That means full transparency in federal spending and contracting, strong oversight of government agencies and their budgets, and zero tolerance for waste, fraud, or corruption, no matter where it is found.
I would support legislation that strengthens the Freedom of Information Act, expands whistleblower protections, and audits federal agencies to root out mismanagement and fraud, waste, and abuse.
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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 5, 2025
