Endorsements

In making endorsements, CVSC’s Board of Directors considers a candidate’s record, experience, leadership, viability and interest in conservation. We do not expect candidates to be experts on our current issues, so we do not ask for commitments on specific positions. We look forward to a conversation with candidates about their legislative priorities.

Look up your legislative district and find out who’s running at this link.

CVSC released early endorsements on March 9, 2020. These early endorsements are outlined below and represent those candidates who CVSC wanted to endorse regardless of if challenged or who their opponent may be. These early endorsements were chosen because of each of these candidates’ strong support for conservation, their commitment to protecting the natural resources of our state, and the history of leadership on conservation and clean energy issues.

Additional endorsements were released on May 19 and in mid September. Please see this page with questions about CVSC’s 2020 endorsement process and timeline.

We are less than 20 days away from the June 9 primary elections. In the next few weeks, campaign signs will pop up on nearly every street corner, your mailbox will overflow with campaign literature, and TV, radio, and social media platforms will be flooded with candidate ads. We know that a lot has been going on. We know you’ve likely been distracted with COVID response issues and the resulting economic impacts. And we know that […]

The Board of Directors of Conservation Voters of South Carolina (CVSC) announced its endorsement of 8 State Senators and 28 State Representatives in the 2020 election. “South Carolina needs champions in the House and Senate who will fight for clean air and water, stand up for the rights of citizens to a clean environment, and lead bipartisan coalitions to advance clean energy,” said John Tynan, CVSC’s Executive Director. “We are proud to endorse each of […]

We won a lot of races during the primaries (85% to be exact), but we haven’t reached the finish line…yet. The general election is days away on Tuesday, November 6 – and there are conservation candidates up and down the ballot that need your vote to win! Conservation champions have achieved great things at the Statehouse – permanent reauthorization of the Conservation Bank, historic shoreline protections, transformative energy reforms, and more. Now these champions – and conservation […]

COLUMBIA, S.C. – The Conservation Voters of South Carolina (CVSC) announced Monday they were officially endorsing Dick Harpootlian for State Senate District 20 in Richland and Lexington Counties. The leading political voice for conservation in South Carolina, CVSC supports bipartisan, pragmatic leaders who will advance conservation at the Statehouse. “South Carolina needs a Senator who will shake things up at the Statehouse, who won’t back down from a fight, and who will focus on the […]

It’s that time again – the time when campaign signs start popping up, when political ads flood the TV and radio airwaves, when candidate mailers appear in your mailbox on a daily basis. It’s ELECTION TIME! The primary elections are just 18 days away on Tuesday, June 12. And for many of you, the primary may be the only chance you have to cast your vote for your State House Representative. Turnout in primary elections is extremely […]

“Conservation Leadership Sets James Smith Apart” COLUMBIA, SC – The Board of Directors of Conservation Voters of South Carolina (CVSC) announced today its endorsement of Representative James Smith for Governor of South Carolina in the 2018 election. In 2009, Representative Smith was honored with CVSC’s first ever Green Tie Award for House Conservation Leadership. “South Carolina needs a leader who will advance a bold vision for the future of our state and protect the air, […]

COLUMBIA, S.C. – The Conservation Voters of South Carolina (CVSC) on Thursday announced they were officially endorsing Michael Weaver for State House District 69. CVSC chose to endorse Weaver because of his commitment to keeping our rivers and lakes clean for drinking, swimming, and fishing as well as his strong belief that conservation and business go hand-in-hand. “We’re backing Michael because he understands the needs of District 69 and will be a strong voice for clean air and […]

CVSC Backs “A Strong Voice for Conservation” COLUMBIA, S.C. – The Conservation Voters of South Carolina (CVSC) on Thursday announced they were officially endorsing Ashley Trantham for State House District 28. CVSC chose to endorse Trantham because of her support for South Carolina’s agricultural economy and recognition that conservation and business go hand-in-hand. “We’re backing Ashley because she understands the needs of District 28 and will be a strong voice for conservation,” said CVSC Executive […]

Conservation Voters of South Carolina (CVSC) has announced the endorsement for re-election of Hugh Weathers for Commissioner of Agriculture. CVSC also announced the endorsements of three additional House candidates for election and re-election to the state legislature. The candidates come from both major parties and represent a cross-section of South Carolinians.

Today the Board of Directors of Conservation Voters of South Carolina (CVSC) announced the endorsement of Senator Vincent Sheheen for Governor of South Carolina.

Jay James, CVSC’s Chairman of the Board said, “You do not have to speak to Vincent for very long to know that his commitment and passion for conservation is from the heart. I am certain he will make our natural resources a priority as governor.”

“We have an obligation to all South Carolinians to inform them of candidates’ records during election season. That responsibility is especially critical when it comes to the gubernatorial race, our most important statewide office,” said Ann Timberlake, CVSC’s Executive Director. “In the governor’s race, the choice could not be clearer—for Senator Sheheen conservation is an important part of his public life and his record reflects that. On the other hand, Governor Nikki Haley has barely given conservation a minute of her attention while in office.”