SUMMERVILLE - Ashley Painter, a small-business owner, former social worker, wife and mother of two, on Tuesday announced her candidacy for South Carolina House District 117 as a Democrat. Painter said she is running to address the rising cost of living and bring compassionate, accountable leadership to Columbia.
“Families in District 117 are doing everything right and still struggling to get ahead,” Painter said. “Grocery bills are higher. Housing and child care costs are overwhelming. Health care is expensive. Yet our current leadership is focused on culture wars instead of lowering costs for working families.”
Painter said her life experience shapes her campaign. She entered foster care at 15 and aged out at 18. She later earned a bachelor’s degree with an emphasis in social work and worked as a crisis counselor, family-based therapist, and adoption and foster care caseworker. After moving to South Carolina, she worked at a methadone clinic in North Charleston, serving individuals from across the region.
Today, Painter runs a professional photography business, which she also uses to give back to nonprofits through volunteer work. Her husband has spent more than a decade working as a railroad serviceman maintaining critical infrastructure throughout the state.
“My husband and I live paycheck to paycheck, just like so many families here,” Painter said. “Before launching this campaign, we had to sit down and figure out how we would afford child care and travel to Columbia while he continues working full time. Public service should not be a pathway to personal profit. If elected, I will not gain financially by holding this office. Serving will be a sacrifice for our family, and that is exactly why I will never forget who I am fighting for.”
Painter said her campaign will focus on lowering everyday costs, protecting reproductive freedom, supporting small businesses, defending equal rights and ensuring that government works for people rather than political insiders.
“District 117 deserves leadership rooted in compassion, fairness and common sense,” Painter said. “Regardless of party, I will work hard to represent every family in this district. I would be honored to earn your vote.”
More information about Painter’s campaign is available at AshleyPainter.com.