For Immediate Release: Thursday, October 8, 2020

Contact: [email protected]

Four Candidates Earn Endorsements from Nation’s Leading Pro-Choice Advocacy Group

South Carolina — NARAL Pro-Choice America today announced its endorsement of four South Carolina state Senate candidates ahead of the November general election: Kathryn Whitaker (SD-37), Sam Skardon (SD-41), Richard Hricik (SD-43), and Debbie Bryant (SD-44). All four candidates are seeking to flip seats currently held by anti-choice, anti-freedom Republicans.

“NARAL is proud to support these four candidates, whose leadership in the state Senate will be critical to fighting back against Republican-led assaults on reproductive freedom,” said NARAL Pro-Choice America Southeast Regional Director Laura Simmons. “The stakes for reproductive freedom are higher than ever, and with Roe vs. Wade on the line, South Carolinians deserve leaders who will fight to defend their most fundamental freedoms. Together with our nearly 26,000 members across South Carolina, we will fight to unseat anti-choice, anti-freedom incumbents who for too long have advanced an extreme  ideological agenda that is out of step with American values.”

Background on the candidates:

• • Kathryn Whitaker (SD-37) is a marketing and communications professional and an outspoken advocate for gender equality. She is seeking to unseat anti-choice, anti-freedom Republican incumbent Lawrence Grooms. 
  • Sam Skardon (SD-41) is a former aide to Congressman John Lewis and small business lender. He is seeking to unseat anti-choice, anti-freedom Republican incumbent Sandy Senn.
  • Richard Hricik (SD-43) is an attorney and community leader. He is seeking to unseat anti-choice, anti-freedom Republican incumbent George “Chip” Campsen.
  • Debbie Bryant (SD-44) is a nurse, healthcare advocate, and community activist. She is running to flip the seat being vacated by Republican incumbent Paul Campbell. 

“Protecting and advancing women’s health is a priority for me,” said Kathryn Whitaker. “In a state long-plagued by maternal mortality and child health issues, our focus should be on access to comprehensive prenatal and postpartum care – not on restricting reproductive health care options. Politicians should not interfere in a woman’s deeply personal medical decisions about her pregnancy.” 

“I believe women and their doctors must be trusted to make their own healthcare decisions, and our legislature needs to stop putting itself in the way,” said Sam Skardon. “District 41 deserves a senator who will show up and fight for women’s healthcare access and freedoms, and look forward to being that voice.” 

“I respect and honor the unique relationship between a woman and her doctor, especially as a father of two teenage daughters,” said Richard Hricik. “Taking rights away from women that they have had for nearly 50 years is contrary to the principles and traditions of our democracy. I trust women and will defend their rights.” 

“We need representation focused on policies to ensure all women control their destinies, and have access to reproductive education and affordable care as essential to affirming women’s rights,” said Debbie Bryant. “I’m proud to stand with NARAL in making sure that’s the case on November 3rd and beyond.”

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For over 50 years, NARAL Pro-Choice America and its network of state affiliates and chapters have fought to protect and advance reproductive freedom—including access to abortion, contraception, and paid family leave—for every body. NARAL is powered by its more than 2.5 million members from every state and congressional district in the country, representing the 7 in 10 Americans who believe every person should have the freedom to make the best decision for themselves about if, when, and how to raise a family.