Businessman and job creator Skip Davenport announced Wednesday that he is running for the South Carolina State Senate and launched the first television advertisement for his campaign. Davenport is running for the State Senate’s District 12 seat, which covers areas in both Spartanburg and Greenville Counties.
In his announcement, Davenport stressed his commitment to advancing conservative policies that protect his neighbors' freedoms, pocketbooks, and communities, while highlighting his longtime business and community involvement.
“Blessed by God to have lived in this community most of my life and to operate a business serving our neighbors, I know that our district wants and deserves leadership in Columbia that is fighting for them not for another title,” said Davenport.
"Career politicians and career candidates over promise and under deliver," said Davenport. "I am a political outsider focused on tackling the issues most important to our community head-on. From Biden’s inflation and illegal immigration crisis to infrastructure inefficiencies, uncompetitive tax structures, and growth in government – business-minded, conservative reforms are desperately needed. I will work tirelessly to cut taxes, make state government more efficient, and protect our freedoms. And I ask that our community holds me accountable to this commitment."
In his television ad, entitled "Get the Job Done", Davenport said the time for action is now.
“South Carolina is tired of career candidates and career politicians. I’m running for State Senate because we need more political outsiders from a business background that can unite the party and actually get the job done without compromising our conservative values," said Davenport.
This is the first run for political office by Davenport, the President of D&D Motors in Greer.
A husband and father of two, Davenport's service in the community includes that as a Board Member of United Community Bank, Greer Partnership for Tomorrow, and the Greer Chamber of Commerce, which awarded him the 2018 J. Verne Smith Award for his leadership in the community.
Davenport is the former President of the Stoney Creek Recreation Association and the former Chairman of the Greater Greer Education Foundation that provides educational opportunities for students and teachers. The team manager of his son’s Carolina Elite Soccer Academy team, Davenport also previously served as the President of the Greer Jaycees, organizing the Greer Christmas parade for several years.
The President of the Cane Break precinct for the Greenville County Republican Party, Davenport has been a volunteer with the local Republican party for the past 15 years and was the Past President of the Sugar Creek precinct.
Scott Talley, a Republcan from Spartanburg, represents District 12 in the current legislature.