Hilton Head Residents Brace for High-Stakes State Senate Race in District 46

Hilton Head: A Race for the State Senate Seat

As residents of southern Beaufort County gear up for the upcoming election, the race for the state Senate seat representing District 46 is heating up. The candidates, incumbent Republican Tom Davis and Democratic challenger Gwyneth Saunders, are bringing their unique backgrounds and perspectives to the forefront, making this election one of particular interest to a community that includes the bustling locales of Hilton Head, Bluffton, and Sun City.

A Closer Look at Tom Davis

Tom Davis, a 64-year-old attorney and former senior policy advisor under ex-Gov. Marcus Sanford, has been serving in the state Senate since 2008. As he seeks a fifth term, his experience is evident. Recently moving to Bluffton to align with the redrawn district, Davis holds a significant position of influence within the Senate, chairing the Labor, Commerce and Industry Committee, and ranking 13th in seniority among his 46 colleagues.

Davis argues that his seniority allows him to advocate effectively for the needs of southern Beaufort County, securing funding for essential services such as roads and schools. “We have tremendous needs down here,” he said, emphasizing the importance of his role in shaping policy outcomes for the area.

Introducing Gwyneth Saunders

On the other side of the political spectrum is Gwyneth Saunders, a 72-year-old retired U.S. Navy veteran and journalist living in Sun City. Having served as the Chief of Information at the Pentagon, Saunders brings a wealth of communication experience to her campaign. As the first woman commander of the Sun City Veterans Association, she has demonstrated leadership and a commitment to community service.

Despite recognizing the uphill battle against a seasoned incumbent like Davis, Saunders remains optimistic. “I have the experience and capability to do it,” she stated confidently.

The Hot Topic: Abortion Access

One of the biggest differences between these candidates lies in their stance on abortion access. Saunders has positioned “reproductive freedom” as a cornerstone of her campaign. She pledges to fight for women’s rights and has criticized Davis and his colleagues for enacting stringent abortion laws, specifically citing the six-week ban that Governor McMaster signed into law in 2023.

In contrast, Davis’s position is that he has attempted to find a balance between the rights of women and unborn children. He mentioned that when a more lenient bill failed, he faced a choice between the existing second trimester law and the newly proposed six-week ban. Davis believes his stance aligns with what he perceives to be the views of the majority of South Carolinians.

More than Just Abortion

While abortion access is a hot-button issue, both candidates have broader agendas. Saunders is passionate about improving public education, seeking to repeal programs that funnel taxpayer dollars to private institutions. “We need to pay teachers what they’re worth so they are not going paycheck to paycheck,” she asserted, advocating for educational reform.

On the topic of gun safety, Saunders calls for common-sense reforms, particularly in light of what she labels as unsafe legislation. She has indicated her desire to overturn the Constitutional Carry Law that allows individuals 18 and over to carry weapons without a permit.

Davis, on the other hand, emphasizes managing Beaufort County’s rapid growth and securing necessary funding for roads and education. He has introduced taxes aimed at environmental conservation to combat overdevelopment. “If we don’t get a handle on it, it will overwhelm roads and pollute waterways,” he warned.

Campaign Finances: The Numbers

As far as campaign financing goes, Davis has a significant edge, having raised over $558,000 throughout the election cycle as compared to Saunders, who has collected around $53,872. This financial difference could potentially play a role in how each candidate spreads their message and connects with voters.

Looking Ahead

With Election Day approaching, the stakes are high. Be it a desire for reproductive rights, educational equity, or a focused approach to growth and infrastructure, voters in southern Beaufort County face a choice between an experienced incumbent and a spirited challenger. As the candidates hit the campaign trail, local residents will surely be keeping a keen eye on how these discussions unfold, ultimately shaping the future of their community.