Roger K. Pruitt, a U.S. Air Force Intelligence veteran, bankruptcy attorney, and professor at South Carolina State University, today announced his candidacy for Congress in South Carolina’s 2nd District, launching a campaign focused on restoring accountability, bipartisan solutions, and real results for working families.

Pruitt is challenging long-time incumbent Joe Wilson, a career politician who has held public office for 40 years—first in the South Carolina Senate from 1985 to 2000, and then in Congress since 2001.

“Washington has lost touch with the people it’s supposed to serve,” said Pruitt. “I’m not a career politician—I’m a veteran, an attorney, and the proud son of working-class parents who taught me the values of service, sacrifice, and personal responsibility.”

Raised in a military household, Pruitt’s father served 22 years in the Air Force, while his mother, despite having little formal education, instilled in him the importance of hard work and integrity. After his own military service, Pruitt spent over two decades as a bankruptcy paralegal before earning his law degree. He has since built a career helping families and small businesses find stability during financial hardship.

Outside the courtroom and classroom, Pruitt is a devoted husband and father of five children. His commitment to public service is rooted in his deep love for family and community.

“I’ve seen how bad policy decisions affect real people—families losing their homes, veterans navigating broken systems, and rural communities left behind,” he said. “South Carolinians are tired of politics as usual. We want leaders who show up, listen, and get things done.”

Pruitt also emphasized his commitment to bridging political divides and delivering results through cooperation.

“I genuinely believe in putting our country first, and I’m more than willing to collaborate with anyone—whether Democrat, Republican, or Independent—who genuinely wants to tackle the fundamental issues we face together,” said Pruitt.

His campaign platform is built on pragmatic, people-first priorities:

• Balancing the federal budget and restoring fiscal responsibility
• Repairing rural infrastructure and expanding broadband and clean water access
• Improving healthcare in underserved counties
• Supporting veterans and overhauling the VA system
• Working across party lines to deliver results, not headlines

With a message of unity and action, Pruitt is calling on voters across Aiken, Orangeburg, Barnwell, Lexington, and Richland Counties to join a campaign focused on service over politics.

“Let’s fix what’s broken—together,” Pruitt said. “Our communities deserve better, and I’m ready to fight for them every step of the way.”

www.pruitt4congress.com