Principles | goldfinchforag

Violent Crime

Violent crime threatens the safety of families and communities across South Carolina. As Attorney General, Stephen will make public safety the office’s top priority.

Aggressively prosecute violent offenders: Hold violent criminals fully accountable.
Support tougher sentencing: Back stronger penalties for repeat and violent offenders.
Keep repeat criminals off the streets: Close loopholes that allow dangerous offenders back into our neighborhoods.
Stand with law enforcement: Ensure sheriffs, police, and prosecutors have the resources and support they need.
Protect victims and families: Give victims a strong voice in the justice system.

Fentanyl & Drug Trafficking

The fentanyl crisis is the most urgent public safety threat facing South Carolina. This deadly drug is coming across our southern border and destroying lives.

Declare fentanyl a statewide emergency: Mobilize the Attorney General’s office to fight it.
Partner with law enforcement: Work with sheriffs, police, state troopers, and federal agencies to dismantle trafficking networks.
Keep drugs out of schools and neighborhoods: Stop distribution pipelines before they reach our children.

Immigration Enforcement

Illegal immigration impacts South Carolina’s safety, economy, and communities. Stephen will ensure our state is not a safe haven for lawbreakers.

Back strong federal enforcement: Support President Trump’s crackdown on illegal immigration.
Prosecute and deport criminal offenders: Ensure illegal immigrants who commit crimes in South Carolina are prosecuted and removed.
Combat border drug trafficking: Disrupt cartels bringing fentanyl and other deadly drugs into our state.

Juvenile Crime

Youth crime is on the rise. Stephen will hold offenders accountable while breaking the cycle of repeat offenses.

Stronger accountability: Update juvenile sentencing guidelines for serious crimes.
Prevent repeat offenses: Partner with schools, communities, and law enforcement to address at-risk youth early.
Protect neighborhoods: Put public safety first and stop juvenile crime from disrupting communities.

Child Predators & Human Trafficking

Few crimes are as evil as child exploitation and human trafficking. Stephen will make them a top priority.

Expand the Child Predator Task Force: Strengthen investigations and prosecutions statewide.
Crack down on internet crimes against children: Invest in Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) resources and training.
Support survivors: Provide resources and dignity to victims of trafficking.
Raise awareness: Partner with schools, churches, and communities to prevent exploitation.

Protecting Children's Privacy &
Women's Sports

Parents deserve peace of mind that their children are safe and treated fairly in schools.

Defend bathroom privacy laws: Protect the rights and safety of our students by defending the current law against state and federal court challenges.
Protect women’s sports: Ensure fair opportunities for girls to compete in sports based on biological sex and protect them against legal challenges.

Defending States' Rights

South Carolina’s sovereignty will not be threatened by Washington bureaucrats.

Push back against federal overreach: Join national lawsuits with other Attorneys General against unconstitutional mandates.
Protect state sovereignty: Defend South Carolina’s right to self-govern under the 10th Amendment.
Defend conservative values in court whenever they’re challenged.

Second Amendment & Constitutional Freedoms

South Carolinians value their freedoms, and Stephen will defend them.

Defend gun rights: Support Constitutional Carry and oppose restrictions on law-abiding citizens.
Protect religious liberty: Ensure every South Carolinian can worship freely.
Uphold constitutional rights: Safeguard free speech, due process, and individual liberties.

Government Accountability

South Carolinians deserve a government that listens and responds.

Create a statewide complaint repository: A system for citizens to report misconduct by state agencies.
Protect citizens from abuse of power: Hold government accountable when it oversteps.
Empower the public: Ensure government is transparent, responsive, and accountable.

Small Business Defense

Small businesses drive South Carolina’s economy and deserve protection.

Fight unfair regulations: Cut burdensome red tape and government overreach.
Crack down on scams and fraud targeting small businesses.
Keep the marketplace fair for entrepreneurs and family-owned companies.

Pro-Life Laws

Stephen will defend South Carolina’s pro-life values and legislation.

Defend existing laws like the Heartbeat Bill from lawsuits.
Stop activist overreach: Push back against outside groups and activists.

Expanding Veterans' Access to Mental Health Court

Veterans deserve accountability with compassion for their service to our country. Stephen will expand Veterans Treatment Courts to ensure those struggling with PTSD or substance abuse get the help they need.

Provide treatment and mentoring for veterans in need.
Reduce repeat offenses by addressing root causes.
Strengthen communities by helping veterans reintegrate successfully.