Democrat Ashley Painter enters race for S.C. House District 117 in Berkeley County

Painter, a small business owner and former social worker, says her campaign will focus on lowering everyday expenses and bringing compassionate leadership to Columbia.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Ashley Painter, a small business owner and former social worker, announced that she is running as a Democrat for South Carolina House District 117. Painter said her campaign will center on lowering everyday expenses and bringing what she described as compassionate and accountable leadership to Columbia. District 117, nestled in Berkeley County, is currently represented by Republican state Rep. Jordan Pace.

Why it matters

Painter's entry into the race for South Carolina House District 117 represents a challenge to the Republican incumbent and an opportunity for Democrats to potentially flip the seat. Her focus on issues like lowering costs for working families could resonate with voters in the district.

The details

Painter, who entered foster care at 15 and aged out at 18, said her personal experiences shaped her decision to run. She later earned a bachelor's degree with an emphasis in social work and worked as a crisis counselor, family-based therapist and adoption and foster care caseworker. After moving to South Carolina, she worked at a methadone clinic in North Charleston, serving clients from across the region. She now runs a professional photography business and volunteers her services to nonprofit organizations. Painter said her family lives paycheck to paycheck and had to consider the financial impact of her campaign before she entered the race.

  • Painter announced her candidacy on Wednesday, February 20, 2026.

The players

Ashley Painter

A small business owner and former social worker who is running as a Democrat for South Carolina House District 117.

Jordan Pace

The current Republican state representative for South Carolina House District 117.

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What they’re saying

“Families in District 117 are doing everything right and still struggling to get ahead. Grocery bills are higher. Housing and childcare costs are overwhelming. Healthcare is expensive. Yet our current leadership is focused on culture wars instead of lowering costs for working families.”

— Ashley Painter, Candidate for South Carolina House District 117 (abcnews4.com)

“Public service should not be a pathway to personal profit. If elected, I will not gain financially by holding this office. Serving will be a sacrifice for our family, and that is exactly why I will never forget who I am fighting for.”

— Ashley Painter, Candidate for South Carolina House District 117 (abcnews4.com)

What’s next

The election for South Carolina House District 117 is scheduled for November 2026.

The takeaway

Painter's campaign for South Carolina House District 117 represents an effort by Democrats to challenge the Republican incumbent and potentially flip the seat. Her focus on lowering costs for working families could resonate with voters in the district, but she will face an uphill battle against the Republican-leaning nature of the district.