Jaxie Ferguson, a James Island resident, Licensed Master Social Worker, and longtime community advocate, today announced her campaign for Charleston County Council District 9. Ferguson, a Democrat, is running for the seat currently held by Councilwoman Jenny Honeycutt, who is seeking election to the United States Congress.
Ferguson said her campaign is "rooted in a simple belief that the future of Charleston County depends on leaders who are willing to do the hard work to protect the places people call home."
“Our island communities are at a crossroads,” Ferguson said. “We are facing increased flooding, intense development pressure, rising costs, and infrastructure that has not kept pace with growth. These challenges are not going to solve themselves. They require leadership that is willing to show up, listen to residents, and fight for smart solutions that protect our communities.”
Ferguson lives on James Island with her husband of twelve years and their young son. She holds a Artium Baccalaureatus degree in Psychology from the College of Charleston and a Master of Social Work from the University of South Carolina, where she received the Graduate Student Achievement Award from the faculty. Ferguson is also a Certified Case Manager and has spent her career advocating for children, families, and communities across the Lowcountry.
Ferguson said her professional work as a social worker and adherence to the NASW Code of Ethics has strengthened her commitment to advocating for families and communities and has shaped her approach to public service.
“My career has been about standing up for people and helping communities become stronger and more resilient,” Ferguson said. “Advocating for children, families, and vulnerable residents is not just part of my job. It is part of who I am, especially because as a child growing up in poverty and in an unstable household, I needed that type of advocacy myself. That same commitment to service is what drives me to run for Charleston County Council.”
Ferguson said her campaign will focus on "protecting the Lowcountry’s natural resources, managing growth responsibly, strengthening infrastructure, and ensuring county government remains accountable to residents." She also said preserving the character and environmental strength of the island communities will be one of her top priorities.
“If we weaken our land, we weaken our homes, our property values, and our protection from storms,” Ferguson said. “Protecting marshlands, planning development responsibly, and investing in infrastructure that actually keeps up with growth are essential if we want our communities to remain strong for the next generation.”
Ferguson also emphasized the importance of leadership that remains accessible to the people it represents.
“Residents deserve a councilmember who shows up, listens, has the tough conversations, and works every day to represent them,” Ferguson said. “I am ready to put in the work to make sure the voices of James Island, Johns Island, Kiawah, Seabrook, and Folly are heard.”
Ferguson’s campaign will be centered on the message “Strong Roots for a Stronger Charleston,” a vision she said is focused on protecting the land, strengthening infrastructure, supporting families, and building a resilient future for Charleston County.
“I am not running to build a political career - I already have a career that I love,” Ferguson said. “I am running because I believe Charleston is worth fighting for. Together, we can deepen the strong roots here already and build a stronger future for our community.”
For more information, please visit FergusonforCharleston.com