William H. Cowboy Williams (South Carolina)

William Williams (Democratic Party) (also known as Cowboy) ran for election for Governor of South Carolina. He lost in the Democratic primary on June 14, 2022.

Biography

William Williams served in the U.S. Army from 1967 to 1969. Williams earned a B.S. in business administration from South Carolina State University in 1973 and an M.B.A. from Webster University in 2008. His career experience includes working as a postmaster.^[1]

Elections

2022

General election

General election for Governor of South Carolina

Incumbent Henry McMaster defeated Joe Cunningham and Morgan Bruce Reeves in the general election for Governor of South Carolina on November 8, 2022.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Henry McMaster (R)	58.0	988,501
	Joe Cunningham (D)	40.7	692,691
	Morgan Bruce Reeves (L)	1.2	20,826
	Other/Write-in votes	0.1	1,174

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 1,703,192
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Jokie Beckett Jr. (Independence Party)
Michael Copland (Independence Party)

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for Governor of South Carolina

Joe Cunningham defeated Mia McLeod, Carlton Boyd, William Williams, and Calvin McMillan in the Democratic primary for Governor of South Carolina on June 14, 2022.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Joe Cunningham	56.4	102,473
	Mia McLeod	31.1	56,406
	Carlton Boyd	5.3	9,579
	William Williams	3.8	6,829
	Calvin McMillan	3.5	6,303

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 181,590
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Republican primary election

Republican primary for Governor of South Carolina

Incumbent Henry McMaster defeated Harrison Musselwhite in the Republican primary for Governor of South Carolina on June 14, 2022.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Henry McMaster	83.3	306,543
	Harrison Musselwhite	16.7	61,462

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 368,005
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Al BellaVance (R)
Mindy Steele (R)

Independence Party convention

Independence Party convention for Governor of South Carolina

Jokie Beckett Jr. and Michael Copland advanced from the Independence Party convention for Governor of South Carolina on May 27, 2022.

		Candidate
✔	Submit photo	Jokie Beckett Jr. (Independence Party)
✔		Michael Copland (Independence Party)

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Labor Party convention

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Gary Votour (Labor Party)

Libertarian convention

Libertarian convention for Governor of South Carolina

Morgan Bruce Reeves advanced from the Libertarian convention for Governor of South Carolina on June 18, 2022.

		Candidate
✔		Morgan Bruce Reeves (L)

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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2020

South Carolina's 7th Congressional District election, 2020 (June 9 Democratic primary)

South Carolina's 7th Congressional District election, 2020 (June 9 Republican primary)

General election

General election for U.S. House South Carolina District 7

Incumbent Tom Rice defeated Melissa Watson in the general election for U.S. House South Carolina District 7 on November 3, 2020.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Tom Rice (R)	61.8	224,993
	Melissa Watson (D)	38.1	138,863
	Other/Write-in votes	0.1	235

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 364,091
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Larry Guy Hammond (L)

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for U.S. House South Carolina District 7

Melissa Watson defeated Robert Williams and William Williams in the Democratic primary for U.S. House South Carolina District 7 on June 9, 2020.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Melissa Watson	51.2	27,200
	Robert Williams	41.3	21,923
	William Williams	7.5	3,965

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 53,088
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Republican primary election

The Republican primary election was canceled. Incumbent Tom Rice advanced from the Republican primary for U.S. House South Carolina District 7.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Dewon Huggins (R)

Campaign themes

2022

Ballotpedia survey responses

William Williams did not complete Ballotpedia's 2022 Candidate Connection survey.

Campaign website

Williams' campaign website stated the following:

“	Crime in South Carolina is happening on a daily basis. My plan is to make every effort to bring this situation under control. I will be seeking help from the local communities and law enforcement to form a bridge that will promote trust and understanding and allow for the protection of our communities. Equal pay for women is a right. If a person is hired for a job and that job pays a certain amount, gender should not determine the salary. Homelessness is still an issue in South Carolina. I will do everything within my power to help improve the conditions of those who are in need of housing. Immigration Reform is needed because what we have is not working. I will revisit the laws on the books and do what I can to make sure that they can be used to address all aspects of immigration in a fair manner, the seen and unforeseen. The I-73 Corridor Project I will keep on the front burner. It is vital for our state. Jobs are one of the legs that help hold up a community. I will be looking at corporations that are interested in partnerships, apprenticeships, and on-the-job training, which will be critical to job creation in the state of South Carolina. We will need an educated and well-trained workforce to entice outside business to consider creating jobs for all in our district. Medicare is very much needed for our senior citizens. Good health care is a must. The amount of monthly premiums needs to be revisited to make sure that these amounts are fair and affordable. Prison Reform is something that we need to address. There is no question about that. I will take a hard look at the criminal justice system and help to ensure it is applied fairly. For instance, the school-to-prison pipeline needs to reduce the number of children being incarcerated. More attention should be placed on this to focus more on the youth at an early age (preschool and beyond). In addition, we need fair sentencing guidelines in relation to the crime. Second Amendment is already in place. My focus will be to make sure that the Second Amendment is protected. Small Town Revitalization is something that can save many of our dying communities, therefore I will make it an important concern also. Veterans Issues can range far and wide. Therefore, I will leave no stone unturned in making sure that all veterans’ cares and concerns are handled and resolved in the proper manner.^[2]	”
—William Williams' campaign website (2022)^[3]

2020

Note: Williams submitted the above survey responses to Ballotpedia on June 2, 2020.

Williams requested on June 2, 2020, that Ballotpedia replace his key messages with:^[4]

“

As a lifetime resident of South Carolina, Williams understands the people and their concerns regarding the issues affecting their communities. He believes that he can bring the change that is needed by bringing livable wage jobs to the 7th Congressional District. He also plans to increase the availability and accessibility to Medicare resources. As a veteran, Williams understands the needs of the veteran community and will fight to ensure that their concerns are addressed so that they can live better lives.^[2]

”

William Williams completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2020. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Williams' responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Expand all | Collapse all

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Prison reform and Immigration Reform are two public policies I'm passionate about.

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

I am a self-starter.

I am Resilient.

I believe in getting it right the first time.

Team player

I know how to delegate authority.

What qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution?

The House of Representatives makes and pass laws as well as initiates impeachment.

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.

Note: Williams submitted the above survey responses to Ballotpedia on July 8, 2020.

April 3 submission

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Williams' family was dirt poor. They had poor housing, which had no running water, or a dependable sewage system. Putting food on the table was tough. Working in the cotton fields, tobacco fields or some type of farm work was all that was available. While in high school, Williams worked on the garbage truck. Williams served in Vietnam from 1968 - 1969. He graduated with a BS from SC State University and an MBA degree from Webster University in Myrtle Beach, SC. He also received a certificate from Harvard University after passing one of its courses.

From 1974 - 2003, Williams worked for the United States Postal Service for 28yrs. (10 years as a Part Time Flexible (PTF) clerk / carrier and 18 years as a Postmaster. Before Williams' wife lost her battle with cancer, he was her caregiver. After some time off, and still in retirement, he decided to run for the United States Congress representing South Carolina's 7th Congressional District. He is running because he wants to be a voice for the people, and he believes that his journey thus far has prepared him for this moment in time because he considers it an honor to serve others.

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?

I want to be a voice for all people of South Carolina 7th Congressional District. You see, I believe that it does not matter, we all have the right to the American dream, and that is Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Therefore, my approach will be to take that message to Washington, D.C., and make sure that your voice (race, gender, the rich and poor) are heard at the table. It is enough room for everyone at the table but only one can go. Therefore, I'm asking you to please send me to be your voice.
I want to go to Washington, and fight for the people of the 7th Convressonal District of South Carolina. As your U.S. Congressman I'll make sure that your concerns are addressed. And I will make sure that I always stay focus and remember that I work for the people of the 7th Congressional District and not the other way around, because they are the ones who decide to take a chance on me, because I promise that I would do what I said I would do.
I have worked all my life, starting in the Cotton fields, tobacco field and I even worked on the garbage truck while in high school. Also volunteering for the military and fighting for our Great Country America in Vietnam. Also, 28 years of serving the people in many different communities in South Carolina working for the U.S. Postal Service. I was a postmaster for 18 years. Serving other is what I do, it is what I've always done. So again, please give me this one chance to serve you. Thank you, William H Cowboys Williams.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

My focus at this time is wanting to serve as the people 's voice. U.S. Congress. In Washington, D.C.

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

I look to my father and my oldest brother. My father and my brother were both good people. They would give you the shirts off their backs, and they loved their families.

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

Book: The Audacity of Hope by President Barack Obama.

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

Trust Worthiness

Good Morals

Care About Others

Treat everyone with dignity and respect

Being a strong and fair leader.

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

I am a self-starter.

I will get the job done

I believe in getting it right the first time.

I can work with others

I know how delegate authority

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

Doing the will of the people.

What legacy would you like to leave?

To be one of America's greatest leaders.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

When I was about 8 years old, I remember a bad hurricane hit Myrtle Beach, SC. Our home was only about 50 miles away. We did not get hurt but we were all very much afraid. This was in 1954 during Hurricane Hazel.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

I grew up in the cotton fields and the tobacco fields of South-Eastern, South Carolina. I worked on the garbage truck when I was still in high school, shined shoes and sold the local town newspaper.

Right after finishing high school I went down town and volunteered for the military. Served two years in the Army, one of those years was in Vietnam. (I fought in the war).

What is your favorite book? Why?

The Audacity of Hope, by President Barack Obama. The book talks about his life and some of the things that shaped him into who he is today.

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

Superman

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

NA

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

One who loves working.

What qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution?

I like the house because they are like one of the legs on a stool with three legs. This means that our form of government cannot function without the U.S. House. Another important quality of the U.S House is, the speaker of the House is #3 in line to run the country. Also, the house has more members than the Senate. So, when you step back and look at the House, you realize that you have one of the most important Jobs in the world.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics?

You never put a person in office on experience alone. What is important is can the person lead? And when I say lead, I mean lead strong, smart, fair and with a God-fearing spirit. Those qualities are what great leaders must have.

What do you perceive to be the United States’ greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?

Sometimes when I am out and about, in the grocery stores, I often think about how much we as a nation have been truly blessed with so much of abundance. So, the question is can we continue to be the world most powerful country? The answer to that is yes, but we must keep in place a very strong and powerful military. It is very important to remember that freedom is truly not free. It is paid for with the lives of military personnel who are sometimes treated like they are just unknown soldiers.

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

Armed Services

                Ethics

Financial Services Committee

If you are a current representative, why did you join your current committees?

NA

Do you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives?

Yes

What are your thoughts on term limits?

I think there should be term limits because sometimes when there are no term limits, America could be missing out on a person that could prove to be a great leader. With new leadership comes new ideas which could be just what the country needs to move forward in a positive way. Finally, it is no more than fair to be a country that has term limits in place. Also, without term limits, the person could be too powerful and begin to act as if he or she does not have to answer to the people.

If you are not currently a member of your party’s leadership in the U.S. House of Representatives, would you be interested in joining the leadership? If so, in what role?

I would like to start working in the job that will lead to me one day being Speaker of the United States House of Representatives

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

There has been many great leaders in the past and we still have some in office today. However, I have my own ideas, and I would like to develop and use those as my model.

Both sitting representatives 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?

The story that comes to my mind is about this lady that got sick and was admitted to a mental institution and never did recover 100%. She still was able to come back and become a part of her family. She would always attend church and help out the very best she could. Finally, the lady passed away. She touched many people while she lived here on God's earth. The lady in question is my sweet mother. (R.I.P.) Mother, I love you.

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.

Note: Williams submitted the above survey responses to Ballotpedia on April 3, 2020.

External links

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Candidate

Governor of South Carolina

Personal

Footnotes

↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on April 3, 2020
↑ ^2.0 ^2.1 Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
↑ William H Williams For SC Governor, “Platform,” accessed June 16, 2022
↑ Ballotpedia staff, "Email communication with William Williams," June 2, 2020

[bio-1] Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on April 3, 2020

[quotedisclaimer-2] 2.0 ^2.1 Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.

[3] William H Williams For SC Governor, “Platform,” accessed June 16, 2022

[4] Ballotpedia staff, "Email communication with William Williams," June 2, 2020

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William H. Cowboy Williams (South Carolina)

Biography

Elections

2022

General election

General election for Governor of South Carolina

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for Governor of South Carolina

Republican primary election

Republican primary for Governor of South Carolina

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Independence Party convention

Independence Party convention for Governor of South Carolina

Labor Party convention

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Libertarian convention

Libertarian convention for Governor of South Carolina

2020

General election

General election for U.S. House South Carolina District 7

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for U.S. House South Carolina District 7

Republican primary election

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Campaign themes

2022

Ballotpedia survey responses

Campaign website

2020

See also

External links

Footnotes

Information about voting

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