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I’m Ashley Painter, a 32-year-old railroad wife and mother of two. I’m a small business owner and homemaker running to represent you in the South Carolina House of Representatives because working families need more representation in our state legislature. 

Before my husband and I had our children, Noah (7) and Henry (3), I spent my time serving the community as a special education para-professional and county crisis counselor. After earning a bachelor’s degree in sociology with an emphasis in social work, I worked as a family-based therapist, helping families overcome complex challenges. I later worked in adoption and foster care placement to help children find their permanent homes and provide evidence-based services for children in the foster care system. Most recently, I served as a drug and alcohol counselor. My work has given me the privilege of seeing, firsthand, incredibly motivated people committed to improving their lives and those of their families.

Now, I’m running to represent District 117 in the State House. If given the chance to serve, I’ll be a voice for the many South Carolina families working hard and playing by the rules, yet still struggling to get by. 

I know how hard some of our working families are struggling. I entered the foster care system at the age of 15. Growing up was hard, but I’ve had the opportunity to get a college degree, start a career, and start a family. Throughout my life, I’ve been driven by a strong sense of community service and a deep sense of fulfillment that comes from making a positive impact on others. While I may not have a traditional political career, I’ve always had the ambition to change our laws and policies to give everyone an equal opportunity to live the American dream.

My top priorities are ensuring that all South Carolinian families and children have access to health insurance and that all working parents have access to affordable, safe childcare. I’m committed to finding and eliminating waste, fraud, and abuse in our government and to holding myself and the people I work with to the highest ethical standards.  Our district has real needs. We can’t afford to waste tax dollars while the rest of us are scraping by.

If you want a lawmaker who is focused on policies that will make our kids healthy, bring real wealth to our families, and won’t be influenced by political games or culture wars, then I am the candidate for you. Let’s end the culture wars in Columbia and spend our time and money on real solutions for our families.        Forward. Together.