Record Number of SC Women Vying for State House. It’s Not All about Abortion.
Originally published by Javon Harris for The State
An unprecedented array of Democratic and Republican female candidates are challenging incumbents for seats in the General Assembly, contending it’s past time for more women to “have a seat at the table” in legislating policy that includes much more than abortion.
In advocating for a slew of issues ranging from abortion rights to constitutional carry, from judicial reform to education and the economy, a record slate of women are vying for seats in the State House in hopes of creating a louder voice for women, which makeup more than 50 percent of the state’s population. Currently, just over six percent of women serve in the House, and only seven percent in the Senate.
“If you’re not at the table then you’re on the menu,” said Lynn Teague, vice president of issues and actions for the League of Women Voters in South Carolina. “Women are underrepresented in South Carolina state government, virtually more than in any other state.”
Women make up 51.5% of the population of South Carolina, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
Belinda Timmons, a Democrat running for Senate District 31 against freshman state Sen. Mike Reichenbach, R-Florence, echoed Teague, saying more women taking a seat at the table will help to ensure women voices are heard.
“Women are not viewed as having an opinion,” she said. “We have an opinion, we have choices, we know how to make intelligent and informed decisions, and now is the time to step and say, ‘This is what we’re going to do,’ to make decisions not only for women but for the state as a whole.”