Democrat Kelly Hough, a nurse, community advocate, and lifelong South Carolina resident, announced today that she is running for South Carolina House District 114, pledging to bring "practical leadership and community-focused solutions to Columbia." House District 114 includes parts of Dorchester and Charleston counties and is currently represented by Republican Rep. Gary Brewer.
Hough said her campaign will focus on improving economic stability for working families, strengthening access to healthcare, investing in infrastructure, supporting education, and protecting civil liberties.
“As a nurse, a mother, and a proud South Carolina native, I’ve experienced firsthand the challenges many families in South Carolina face every day,” Hough said. “From rising housing and childcare costs to healthcare access and overcrowded schools, our communities need leaders who understand these realities and are ready to take action. Our state deserves leadership grounded in experience and driven by solutions.”
Hough has spent years serving South Carolina families through her work in healthcare. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she stepped into leadership roles when hospitals and healthcare systems were stretched beyond capacity. She has also served as a hospice nurse, guiding families through some of life’s most difficult moments and reinforcing her commitment to compassionate, patient-centered care.
Her educational background includes studies at Midlands Technical College, Trident Technical College, the College of Charleston, and the University of South Carolina, where she pursued coursework in healthcare, business, psychology, communications, and public service.
Hough said South Carolina must "focus on responsible growth that keeps pace with its communities' needs." She said her campaign priorities include addressing rising costs facing working families, improving access to healthcare and mental health services, strengthening maternal healthcare outcomes, investing in roads and infrastructure to keep up with population growth, supporting teachers and public schools, expanding access to affordable childcare, and ensuring government transparency and protection of constitutional rights.
“Our communities deserve leadership that listens, understands the challenges people face, and works to build real solutions,” Hough said. “Together, we can move South Carolina forward by leading change, together.”
For more information, visit www.kellysc114.com