South Carolina House of Representatives District 85 candidate surveys, 2022

Elections in South Carolina, 2022

---

On the ballot: U.S. Senate • U.S. House • Governor • State executive offices • State House • Special state legislative • State ballot measures • School boards

This article shows responses from candidates in the 2022 election for South Carolina House of Representatives District 85 who completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey.

• Click here to see candidates and election results.
• Click here to see Candidate Connection survey responses.

Candidates and election results

General election

General election for South Carolina House of Representatives District 85

Jay Kilmartin defeated John Davis in the general election for South Carolina House of Representatives District 85 on November 8, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Jay Kilmartin (R)	75.5	11,450
		John Davis (L)	23.8	3,611
		Other/Write-in votes	0.7	99

---

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 15,160
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey responses

Ballotpedia asks all federal, state, and local candidates to complete a survey and share what motivates them on political and personal levels. The section below shows responses from candidates in this race who completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Survey responses from candidates in this race

Click on a candidate's name to visit their Ballotpedia page.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

Expand all | Collapse all

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

John Davis (L)

maximize individual autonomy and freedom, minimize the state's control of individual liberties

Legalize Cannabis, SGM Friendly, Minimal gun laws

Free market - people will be both freer and more prosperous if government intervention in people’s economic choices is minimized

Jay Kilmartin (R)

Conservative Outsider

Businessman

Constiutional Conservative

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

John Davis (L)

One of the primary points of my campaign is the legalization of marijuana. First off, there is a growing body of research that shows medical use of marijuana has a profound beneficial effect on the lives of those suffering from a variety of illnesses.

Far too many people would benefit from medical marijuana, whether it’s to help a veteran through PTSD or depression, a young child reduce the number and frequency of seizures, or to help cancer patients with their post Chemo nausea, there’s proof that allowing marijuana use for medicinal purposes would be a major benefit to our communities.

In states that have fully legalized the recreational use of marijuana, the number one unintended consequence that various departments of health and police agencies noticed was a dramatic decline in overdose deaths. That’s right, when people who are addicted to harder drugs have access to marijuana, they are far less likely to overdose on the harder stuff. These addicts are human beings, worthy of life, and we should treat addiction like the healthcare issue it is, not a criminal justice issue. Having said that, they deserve our compassion, and they deserve a chance at life.

Jay Kilmartin (R)

I am 100% pro-life. With Roe v. Wade poised to be overturned, there is no reason that South Carolina shouldn't outlaw abortion immediately.

In 2020, I spoke on the state house steps to end the lockdowns. Our right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness doesn't end due to a pandemic. Citizens including students should never be forced to wear masks. I believe in healthcare freedom. Nobody should be forced to take a vaccine to make a living and go about their every day lives. I believe South Carolina should give citizens the right to try medications that are proven to work. I am a gun owner and I believe in the second amendment. I will immediately sign on to constitutional carry legislation upon being elected. I am for school choice and parental rights. Parents are in charge of their child's education, not the government. Marxist Critical Race Theory has no place in South Carolina public schools. Gender Theory and sexualization of classrooms must not be entertained into South Carolina public schools.

I will sign on to term limits legislation upon being elected and crony capitalism must end in South Carolina.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

Jay Kilmartin (R)

My top political influences are President Donald J. Trump, Sen. Ted Cruz, Sen. Rand Paul, Fmr. Congressman Ron Paul, Congressman Thomas Massie, State Rep. Josiah Magnuson and State Rep. RJ May. These are effective, bold conservatives and that is who I will be. I am running for state house to serve the people of Chapin and Irmo, not to make big shot friends. I have enough friends to last many lifetimes. I am going to Columbia to make a difference.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

Jay Kilmartin (R)

The Bible

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

John Davis (L)

Integrity

Jay Kilmartin (R)

Conservatism, liberty, freedom, constitutionalism, transparency, constituent services, ethics and honesty.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

Jay Kilmartin (R)

I have given my time and finances not only politically but to volunteerism in many different areas.

I have hosted dinners and lunches for law enforcement. Recently, I helped lead a group of people in our neighborhood to restore and clean up an African-American cemetery. I have given my time and finances every year for many years towards pro-life ministries. I have been involved in many community projects

Up until this point in time, I have always been someone who works and accomplishes things behind the scenes. In this important time in our community, state and country's history, I prayed about it and decided it is time to be involved on the front lines. I have leveraged the many great friendships I have forged to build a strong campaign for state house.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

Jay Kilmartin (R)

Fighting for conservative principles, getting those principles done and constituent services.

What is your favorite book? Why?

Jay Kilmartin (R)

The Bible. It encapsulates everything I work for in my life.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

Jay Kilmartin (R)

Mike Baxter of "Last Man Standing."

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

Jay Kilmartin (R)

Freewill by Rush

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?

John Davis (L)

The governor and state legislature should work together to make south carolina a better place to live for everyone.

Jay Kilmartin (R)

The ideal relationship between the governor and legislature would be everybody working together to accomplish the most conservative policies. The governor should show strong leadership but the legislature should always be the check and balance necessary. For example, the legislature should have taken to charge to ensure that the governor cannot declare a never ending state of emergency. A place where we can empower the governor is to rid ourselves of our antiquated judicial selection system. Our system could only be dreamed up by a legislature full of attorneys. We must move to a system where the governor appoints judicial nominees and the legislature votes on whether or not to approve the nominees.

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

John Davis (L)

Overcoming traditional and outdated republican ideologies

Jay Kilmartin (R)

We must get ahead of the agenda of the radical left. Instead of just responding to our many crises, South Carolina must get out in front like Florida has done. Issues that the general public may have not caught up to yet are The Great Reset and Environmental Social Governance (ESG). Government ventures with corporations are a form of Fascism and must be stamped out. We must end the legislature's crony capitalism objectives.

What are the benefits and drawbacks of a unicameral state legislature, in your opinion?

Jay Kilmartin (R)

One benefit would be that important legislation could be move through in a more timely manner. The founders of our country and state correctly thought there should be bicameral legislatures to make the process of passing legislation rigorous and so officials represent different constituents. I support keeping things bicameral.

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

John Davis (L)

No

Jay Kilmartin (R)

I believe that your different life experiences can make a difference. Even so, a prospective legislator should have the fight and the knowledge to get things done. I know that as a small businessman who has dealt with government red tape and advocated for other small businesses, I am uniquely qualified to deal with the issues facing our state. It is also a plus that I have gotten to know our elected officials and have been involved in political activism for many years.

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

John Davis (L)

Yes. It is best if everyone works together.

Jay Kilmartin (R)

Although we all have different ideologies in some way, it is important to build relationships to do what is best for our constituents. Personal conflicts should not determine whether good legislation gets passed in South Carolina.

What process do you favor for redistricting?

Jay Kilmartin (R)

The process of redistricting committees in the state house to draw the lines is the correct way to go. Unfortunately, the legislature does at times draw boundaries that do not make sense and sometimes they will strong legislators out of districts because leadership deems them to be a nuisance. That is the way it goes sometimes. Left-wing activist judges should stay out of our state's sovereignty to draw districts.

If you are not a current legislator, are there certain committees that you would want to be a part of?

Jay Kilmartin (R)

Education and Public Works, Ethics, Legislative Oversight, Labor, Commerce and Industry, Legislative Oversight, Regulations and Administrative Procedures and Ways and Means are all desirable to me.

If you are a current legislator, what appealed to you about your current committees?

Jay Kilmartin (R)

I am not a current legislator.

Is there a particular legislator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

Jay Kilmartin (R)

There are a few. Josiah Magnuson of Spartanburg and RJ May and Ryan McCabe of right here in Lexington County. They are strong conservatives who are bold, get things done and their constituents award them for it.

Are you interested in running for a different political office (for example, the U.S. Congress or governor) in the future?

John Davis (L)

No

Jay Kilmartin (R)

No.

Both sitting legislators and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

Jay Kilmartin (R)

While knocking on doors, I met a firefighter during Emergency Medical Services week honoring First Responders. John has served our community with heroism. He gave me his support a gave me a keepsake I will always cherish - his fire helmet that has suffered severe damage from his heroics running into dire circumstances.

Tell us your favorite joke.

Jay Kilmartin (R)

Joe Biden is the president of the United States.

Should the legislature oversee or grant the use of emergency powers?

Jay Kilmartin (R)

The governor should have the power to declare emergencies. However, the governor should not be able to continuously roll over emergency powers. The legislature must act to require legislative oversight after the original 15-day period has passed.

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

John Davis (L)

It really depends on the policy. There are certain areas where I will not compromise.

Jay Kilmartin (R)

Compromise must happen sometimes. South Carolina has Republican supermajorities in the legislature. Far too often the compromise is happening from a liberal perspective. With heavily Republican control, the compromise needs to happen on the conservative side of things.

See also

More about these elections:

• South Carolina House of Representatives elections, 2022

Select a district below to read responses from candidates in those races:

District 1District 2District 3District 4District 5District 6District 7District 8District 9District 10District 11District 12District 13District 14District 15District 16District 17District 18District 19District 20District 21District 22District 23District 24District 25District 26District 27District 28District 29District 30District 31District 32District 33District 34District 35District 36District 37District 38District 39District 40District 41District 42District 43District 44District 45District 46District 47District 48District 49District 50District 51District 52District 53District 54District 55District 56District 57District 58District 59District 60District 61District 62District 63District 64District 65District 66District 67District 68District 69District 70District 71District 72District 73District 74District 75District 76District 77District 78District 79District 80District 81District 82District 83District 84District 85District 86District 87District 88District 89District 90District 91District 92District 93District 94District 95District 96District 97District 98District 99District 100District 101District 102District 103District 104District 105District 106District 107District 108District 109District 110District 111District 112District 113District 114District 115District 116District 117District 118District 119District 120District 121District 122District 123District 124Submit