David Means:

Good-paying jobs that benefit everyone, not just the business owner.

I’m fighting for the working class and middle class because I’m part of the Working Class and Middle Class.

I’m David Robinson II, and I didn’t grow up with privilege. I was raised in a marginalized community and come from the working and middle class, just like so many of you. I know what it means to struggle, to sacrifice, and to push forward despite the odds. I’ve lived paycheck to paycheck. I’ve juggled bills. I’ve been a single parent, doing everything I could to build a future for my children while working hard to make ends meet.

I also know what it means to build something from nothing. I started my own trucking business, facing every challenge that comes with being an entrepreneur in America, especially without political connections or inherited wealth. I’ve lived your reality because it is my reality.

Unlike my opponent, Congressman Joe Wilson, who has spent decades in Washington voting to protect the wealthiest 1% and corporate donors, I believe in building from the bottom up, not the top down. Trickle-down economics has never worked for the everyday people of South Carolina, and it never will.

My Vision for Job Creation:

Invest in working families and middle-class communities, not just Wall Street or billion-dollar corporations
Support small businesses and entrepreneurs, especially in marginalized and rural communities
Expand access to workforce training, trade programs, and apprenticeships to build skills that match today’s economy
Modernize infrastructure and expand rural broadband, creating jobs and improving quality of life
Protect workers’ rights, raise wages, and ensure benefits that give families a fighting chance

Though I hold Democratic values, let me be clear:
I’m not running for a party; I’m running for you.
My loyalty isn’t to any political machine. It’s to the people of  South Carolina’s Second Congressional District. That includes Republicans, Democrats, and Independents alike, because what we all want are jobs with dignity, opportunity for our families, and leaders who won’t sell us out for special interests.

Joe Wilson works for the wealthy, voting for the biggest tax cut for the ultra-rich!
I work for you!

Let’s build an economy that lifts everyone, not just the top.

Tax Reform

Fairness for the People: Not Handouts for the Ultra-Rich

Our tax system is broken, and it’s broken on purpose!

As your next Congressman, I, David Robinson II, will fight for a tax system that works for working people, not just the wealthy elite. I am 100% against tax breaks for the ultra-rich; the top 1% and 2%, while the wages of hard-working Americans remain flat and the cost of living continues to rise.

The truth is that working and middle-class families are carrying the burden while billionaires and large corporations exploit loopholes and giveaways. That’s not just unfair, it’s un-American.

Worse, politicians like Congressman Joe Wilson continue to support tax plans like Trump’s so-called “Big Beautiful Bill,” a massive tax giveaway to the wealthy that puts the cost on the backs of everyday Americans by cutting critical federal programs like Medicare, education, housing, and food assistance. If I were in Congress at the time, I would have voted against that bill without hesitation.

Here’s what I believe:

• Tax reform should prioritize working families over billionaires.
• We must close corporate tax loopholes and ensure the wealthiest Americans pay their fair share.
• No more funding tax cuts for the rich by cutting Social Security, Medicare, or programs for struggling families
• Middle-class tax relief should be real, not a political talking point.
• Small businesses should be supported, not taxed into the ground, while large corporations offshore profits.

I believe in fiscal responsibility with moral clarity. That means protecting the programs everyday Americans rely on and demanding accountability from the ultra-wealthy and corporate giants who benefit most from our economy.

I’m not running to serve the powerful. I’m running to fight for you—and to help build a tax system that reflects the values of fairness, opportunity, and shared responsibility.

2-Year Plan

People Before Politics: Solutions Over Sides

As your next Congressman, my first priority will be to build bridges with the people of South Carolina’s 2nd Congressional District, Democrats, Republicans, and Independents alike. I believe that representation starts with listening, and for my first two years in office, I will be fully focused on hearing your concerns, understanding your needs, and delivering real results.

I’m a Democrat, yes, and I believe in Democratic values. However, I also know that party labels don’t put food on the table, fix broken roads, or address the issues that matter most to Americans. That’s why I’m running not for a party but for the people.

As a member of the working and middle class and as a former small business owner, I know how disconnected Washington can be from the everyday struggles of Americans. I’ve been there.

My goal in Congress is to represent everyone in our district, not just those who vote like me or agree with me, but every single resident who wants a safer, fairer, and more prosperous South Carolina. That is achieved by my ability to listen to those I represent in my district, whether they voted for me or not.

My Focus in the First Two Years:

• Host regular town halls and community roundtables across the district to stay directly connected to your voices and concerns.
• Work across the aisle to find common-sense solutions that help working families, small businesses, veterans, and seniors.
• Push for bipartisan action on critical local and national issues, such as job creation, healthcare access, infrastructure, and public safety.
• Keeping my Oath to our constitution is the Foundation of raising our right hand to serve. I will support any No Kings Act and any No Dictators Act, ensuring our system of checks and balances remains in place for generations to come.
• JOBS and WAGES are the backbone of our economy. That’s why I believe in Basic Public Investments in our working and middle classes, giving incentives to small businesses, and promoting entrepreneurial growth in our communities. Yes, David Means Jobs, great-paying jobs that benefit both the employer and the employee, allowing anyone to reach the American Dream that was promised.
• Champion legislation to address the crisis of missing Americans, supporting families in crisis, and giving law enforcement better tools, data, and resources to bring loved ones home. This is not just a national issue; it’s a South Carolina issue.

This isn’t about scoring political points; it’s about restoring trust, accountability, and purpose to public service. I am an American first. I am your neighbor. And I’m running to serve you, not the status quo in Washington. I am not a career politician with a prestigious title. I represent 64.2% of the citizens in Congressional District 2 who don’t hold a college degree, while representing the 35.8% who do. The creation of congressional districts requires a representative from that mass of people to the House of Representatives. I am that.

I am you, I am a part of your community, a rich representation of the people of the district with a personal understanding of our needs. That’s why any legislation that I support or craft will have our best interests at heart.

Let’s bring integrity and true representation of the people back to Congress together.

Education Security Is Not Just For Those In A Specific Zip-Code: It’s a Right

Investing in Our Future: Empowering the Next Generation

A strong America starts with a strong education system. I’m David Robinson II, and I believe that education is the foundation of a thriving economy, a secure nation, and a fair society. If we want to compete in a fast-moving global economy driven by innovation and technology, then we must invest in educating our children, not cutting corners.

Yet year after year, we see **funding cuts to public schools, underpaid teachers, rising student debt, and rural communities left behind**. That’s not progress—it’s a setback we can’t afford.

Here’s what I stand for:

No cuts to public school funding, period. Our students deserve fully funded schools, no matter their Zip code.
Competitive pay and full support for teachers, who are the backbone of our education system.
Affordable higher education, because no one should be buried in debt for daring to pursue their dreams.
Greater investment in rural education, ensuring students in every corner of South Carolina have access to modern resources and opportunities.
Expanded support for special education departments, with the staffing, tools, and training needed to ensure all students thrive.
Investment in STEM, trade, and vocational programs to prepare students for real-world jobs and emerging industries.

Education isn’t just a classroom issue; it’s an economic issue, a workforce issue, and a moral responsibility. Without education, our economy cannot thrive. Without respect for educators, our future is at risk.

I’m running for Congress to fight for an education system that lifts every student, supports every teacher, and strengthens every community, because our future depends on it.

Infrastructure

Paving the Way to Progress: Fixing Our Roads, Strengthening Our Communities

I’m David Robinson II, and I believe that infrastructure is about more than concrete and asphalt; it’s about access, safety, and opportunity. In South Carolina and across the country, our roads are in disrepair, our bridges are aging, and rural communities are too often left behind. It’s time to stop patching the problem and start building for the future.

In South Carolina’s 2nd Congressional District, bad roads aren’t just inconvenient; they’re dangerous and costly to working families. Poor infrastructure damages vehicles causes accidents, slows down emergency response times, and hinders economic growth.

My Plan to Improve Roads in South Carolina and Across America:

• Support full funding for the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law – I will advocate for continued federal investment through this historic law to repair and modernize roads, highways, and bridges across our state.
• Expand the Rural Surface Transportation Grant Program – To ensure smaller counties and towns get their fair share of funding to improve road safety, connectivity, and access.
• Advocate for the National Highway Performance Program (NHPP) – I’ll support expanded funding for this program to modernize key highways and reduce congestion, especially in high-traffic areas like Columbia and surrounding counties.
• Champion Complete Streets policies – To ensure roads are designed for everyone—drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, and public transit users. Safe, accessible roadways should be a right, not a privilege.
• Secure funding for bridge rehabilitation and resilience – I will work to bring federal dollars home to repair aging bridges and enhance their resilience against future climate and weather-related damage.
• Push for transparent and equitable project prioritization – I’ll work with state and local leaders to ensure road repair and development projects prioritize underserved and high-need areas, not just those with political influence.
• Invest in green and smart infrastructure – From solar-powered traffic systems to smart sensors that enhance traffic flow and safety, I’ll champion innovations that make our roads more efficient and environmentally sustainable.

Why It Matters:

Every South Carolinian deserves safe, well-maintained roads—regardless of where they live. Investing in infrastructure creates jobs, boosts local economies, and improves our quality of life. It connects us to work, school, healthcare, and each other.

Congressman Joe Wilson has had decades to fix our roads, and we’re still dodging potholes.

As your Congressman, I will fight to bring federal resources, smarter planning, and bold leadership to rebuild South Carolina’s roads the right way.

Because a stronger South Carolina starts with stronger infrastructure, and that begins with electing leaders who will truly fight for it.

Power Grid

Modernizing Our Power Grid: Resilience and Growth Shouldn’t Wait for Tragedy

I believe it’s long past time for us to take bold, proactive steps to secure South Carolina’s and America’s power infrastructure. We’ve had decades to act, yet we continue to repeat the same mistakes: waiting for disaster before investing in solutions.

After Hurricane Hugo, we learned how vulnerable our power grid really is. Hurricane Helene reminded us that we still haven’t done what should have been done long ago: burying power lines in storm-prone areas. We can’t keep playing catch-up while communities go dark and lives are disrupted, and tragedy is lost.

My Plan: Bury the Lines, Power the Future

If elected, I will push for federal and state partnerships to:

• Bury power lines in storm-prone regions, starting with vulnerable areas in South Carolina, to prevent massive outages and costly storm damage.
• Modernize the power grid with innovative technology that detects outages, balances demand, and improves disaster response.
• Integrate renewable energy and battery storage to reduce our dependence on aging, fragile infrastructure.
• Invest in grid upgrades that support future innovations, from electric vehicles to solar-powered communities.

Technology is Evolving, Our Infrastructure Must Too.

We are entering a new era of AI-driven automation, smart homes, electric transportation, and data-driven industries. Yet our power grid is still functioning as if it were 1985. That’s a problem!

We need to plan now for the energy demands of tomorrow. That means:

• Supporting powered grid management systems that prevent blackouts and optimize power distribution.
• Building resilient energy systems that can handle increased demand from data centers, electric vehicles, and future industries.
• Ensuring rural and underserved communities aren’t left behind in the modernization effort.
• Preparing our workforce for jobs in grid technology, clean energy, and digital infrastructure.

Growth is coming. The question is whether we will be ready for it or overwhelmed by it.

FEMA Should Be Strengthened, Not Dismantled!

I strongly oppose efforts to defund or eliminate FEMA. Our nation needs a disaster response agency that can prepare communities before the crisis hits, not just clean up afterward. This includes power grid resilience, infrastructure hardening, and climate-smart investments that mitigate disaster impact before it occurs.

Why Wait for a Tragedy?

I’m running for Congress because I believe we should lead with vision, not reaction. We’ve waited long enough while others in office have done nothing. Congressman Joe Wilson has had decades to fix these issues and hasn’t.

It’s time for new leadership that thinks ahead, acts boldly, and prepares South Carolina for a smarter, stronger, and more resilient future.

Let’s build a power grid that works, not just today, but for generations to come.
The future is coming fast. Let’s meet it with strength, not with delay.

Rural America and Farmland

Investing in the Heart of South Carolina

South Carolina’s rural communities are the backbone of our state. From Barnwell and Allendale to Orangeburg and Aiken counties, our farmlands, small towns, and hardworking families keep our economy running; however, they are often left behind by the very people elected to represent them.

I believe that every South Carolinian, regardless of their ZIP code, deserves access to opportunities, quality education, reliable healthcare, and 21st-century infrastructure.

The Problem: Neglect and Misplaced Priorities

Politicians like Congressman Joe Wilson have voted for tax cuts that benefit the ultra-wealthy at the direct expense of rural communities. His vote for the Trump “Big Beautiful Bill” stripped vital federal resources from the programs that support rural South Carolina, especially when it comes to Medicaid funding and community health centers. The result? Clinics are closing, rural hospitals are under pressure, and too many families are forced to travel hours just to see a doctor.

My Plan for Rural South Carolina:

• Invest in Rural Infrastructure

Rural roads, bridges, and public transportation systems need major upgrades. I will fight for federal investments that connect rural areas to economic opportunity, schools, and emergency services.

• Expand Broadband Access

In today’s world, high-speed internet is as essential as electricity. I will work to bring affordable, reliable broadband to every home, farm, and small business in District 2.

• Protect and Modernize Rural Schools

Every child deserves access to quality education, regardless of their location. That means fully funding rural schools, updating outdated facilities, and supporting teachers with better pay and resources.

• Support Community Health Centers

I oppose cuts to Medicaid and advocate for increased funding to keep rural health clinics open, fully staffed, and accessible. Every South Carolinian deserves care, whether they live in Columbia or the countryside.

• Preserve and Strengthen Family Farms

I’ll support policies that protect family-owned farms from corporate buyouts, provide fair pricing, and invest in agricultural sustainability. Our farmland isn’t just land, it’s a legacy.

We Can’t Build a Stronger South Carolina by Leaving Half of It Behind

Rural South Carolina doesn’t need handouts; it requires a real partner in Washington. I’m not running for office to serve special interests or big-city elites. I’m running to serve the people of District 2, and that means making sure Barnwell, Allendale, Aiken, and Orangeburg aren’t forgotten.

Congressman Joe Wilson had the opportunity to stand up for rural families, but he chose to support billionaire tax cuts instead.

I won’t make that mistake.
I’ll stand with rural America every time.

Environment

Protecting South Carolina for Future Generations

I believe what science and common sense make clear:
Climate change is a real phenomenon, and we are already experiencing its effects right here in South Carolina.

Our state is especially vulnerable to rising sea levels, stronger hurricanes, flooding, and extreme heat. From the coastal lowlands to the rural inland counties, families, farmers, small businesses, and local ecosystems are all at risk if we fail to act.

South Carolina’s Climate Vulnerabilities:

• Coastal flooding and sea-level rise threaten cities like Charleston and Beaufort, and intensify storm surges during hurricanes.
• Severe heat waves are increasing across Aiken, Barnwell, and Orangeburg, putting outdoor workers and elderly residents at risk.
• Agricultural stress in rural counties like Bamberg, Allendale, and Saluda is affecting crop yields and local economies.
• Stronger storms, such as Hurricanes Hugo and Helene, are causing billions of dollars in damage, destroying infrastructure, homes, and livelihoods.

My Plan to Tackle Climate Change:

• Invest in Clean Energy
  I will support legislation that expands solar, wind, and battery storage across South Carolina—creating jobs and reducing our dependence on fossil fuels.
• Upgrade and Protect Infrastructure
  We must modernize drainage systems, rebuild flood-prone roads, and secure power lines to withstand stronger storms and extreme weather.
• Strengthen Climate Resilience in Rural Areas
  Rural communities require targeted investment to prepare for droughts, floods, and rising temperatures, including initiatives focused on agricultural research and disaster relief programs.
• Expand Green Workforce Training
  I’ll support programs that train workers in clean energy, conservation, and environmental engineering, making sure South Carolinians are prepared for the future job market.
• Protect Our Water and Air
  We must hold polluters accountable and invest in clean water systems, especially in rural communities where contamination often goes unchecked.
• Support Federal Climate Legislation
  I will advocate for bold climate action, including full enforcement of the Clean Air Act, expansion of the Inflation Reduction Act’s clean energy incentives, and national climate adaptation funding.

Why It Matters:

We can’t afford to ignore the crisis. Our choices today will shape the world our children and grandchildren inherit. I believe in growth and innovation, but not at the expense of our environment, health, and future.

While others in Congress, like Joe Wilson, continue to downplay the urgency of climate change, I will act with the seriousness this moment demands. Protecting the environment isn’t just a policy, it’s a moral responsibility.

Let’s build a South Carolina that’s prepared, not just for today, but for the generations to come.
Let’s lead with solutions. Let’s lead with purpose.

Environment

Clean Air & Water: Taking Action While Others Stall

I believe that clean air and clean water are basic human rights, not privileges. We must act now because if we don’t, our children and grandchildren will inherit the consequences of our inaction.

South Carolina’s Environmental Vulnerabilities

Regions like Orangeburg, Allendale, Bamberg, Aiken, Barnwell, and Saluda have suffered for too long:

• Lead and PFAS contamination in drinking water systems—severe in Orangeburg
• Aging pipes and outdated treatment systems in rural towns pose a risk to health and well-being.
• Air pollution from industry and energy plants is affecting respiratory health in Aiken and Barnwell

Legislation I Support

• Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA)
  Includes over $20B for drinking water upgrades and $12B for wastewater/stormwater systems
  • I’ll ensure Congressional District 2 gets its fair share to replace lead pipes and modernize its treatment plants.
• Drinking Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Act (S.914, 2021)
  Provided essential funding to help communities address water contamination challenges.
• Environmental Justice for All Act
  Ensures that historically marginalized and rural communities receive prioritized, equitable protection with access to clean water and air.
• Strengthening the Clean Air Act & EPA enforcement
  I will support EPA’s authority to tighten pollution limits, reduce industrial emissions, and prevent harmful chemicals from entering our environment.

Where Joe Wilson Voted Against His Constituents

• While district families faced water contamination, Wilson voted with Republicans to roll back clean water protections, weakening EPA safeguards.
• He opposed critical environmental justice spending, backing anti-environmental budgets that included cuts to programs protecting vulnerable communities.
• He also supported “energy deregulation” votes that limited EPA power to regulate greenhouse gases.

My Promise to You:

• Fully fund water infrastructure projects in rural District 2, no community left behind
• Hold polluters accountable; ensure responsible industry practices near your home
• Expand access to safe drinking water in places like Allendale and Batesburg-Leesville
• Strengthen clean air protections to lower asthma rates and improve overall health
• Prioritize environmental justice, directing investments to communities historically ignored

Why It Matters

Clean water and air shouldn’t depend on your ZIP code or income. But for too long, families in South Carolina’s rural counties have been overshadowed by Washington’s priorities.

Joe Wilson has voted down party lines to dismantle critical protections and ignore rural needs. We do not need a follower but a leader who can honor the needs of his constituents first.

I won’t wait for another crisis. I’ll fight now so that every child, farmer, and neighbor in Congressional District 2 can breathe easily and drink safe water. We owe them that much.

Let’s stop neglect and start protecting our resources. It’s time to lead with vision and act with purpose.