The pastor who shows up.

Low-income housing & the right to stay

Central and Six Mile are among the fastest-growing small cities in South Carolina. That growth has been profitable for developers and devastating for long-time residents — through annexation decisions, zoning approvals, and development policy that prioritizes profit over people, while the county “studies” the problem and families get displaced.

"They call it development. We call it displacement. The families who built these communities deserve the right to stay in them."

Russell’s Plan: Fight for anti-displacement protections and demand real community input before any development approval. Picken’s residents need renter protection ordinances that give tenants real rights and real recourse when faced with uncertainty.

Unemployment in Pickens County

Pickens County ranks 39th out of 46 counties in South Carolina, with unemployment climbing 1.4 percentage points over the past year. Counties with a wider range of industries and job opportunities see lower unemployment — District 2 needs both.

Russell's Plan: Broaden the job market through training, transportation expansion, and incentives that bring real industry to Central and Six Mile. Real growth focuses on developing people first.

Road maintenance you can count on

The condition of the roads in Pickens County determines safe passage for parents, kids, and neighbors getting to work, school, and appointments. Potholes cause unnecessary vehicle damage, frequent tire replacement, and accidents — and taxes were assessed specifically to keep our roads safe.

Russell’s Plan: Hold the county to the maintenance schedule that your taxes are already supposed to be funding. Transparent spending is common sense.