Christine Jackson

For SC House of Representatives, District 98 (D) 

A working mother of two children and two step-children, Christine Jackson has a myriad of experience that will provide the constituents of the 98th District with the best representation possible. She and her husband, Kenneth, made their home in The Farm at Wescott Plantation in North Charleston.

Professionally, Ms. Jackson is currently entering her sixth year as a policy analyst and possesses over eleven years of information technology management experience. Ms. Jackson has accomplished a broad educational background that includes a Bachelor's of Science in Business Management and a Master's of Science in Business Management. Ms. Jackson has served the community through a variety of volunteer opportunities and stresses the importance of giving back to the community.

In addition to her firm stance that the state should invest in itself by contracting business with small companies located in South Carolina as opposed to large corporations or out-of-state businesses, she believes there should be a focus on moving monies to local banks and credit unions to stimulate local economies and create jobs.  Jackson recognizes the state's need for modern revenue generating ideas that will prevent South Carolina from relying on federal funds.

In May, Christine Jackson was officially endorsed by the Conservation Voters of South Carolina and Planned Parenthood, Health Systems Action Fund, Inc. of Charleston.

Ms. Jackson won the Democratic primary for her district and feels really good about it. She's been working hard getting to know and listening to the people in her district and has gotten great response. She knows the hard work has just begun on the path to November, but she is ready for it!

Here are Ms. Jackson's answers to some questions posed by the Institute.

Why you – why now for SC House, District 98? 

I want to see change in South Carolina that will benefit the people of the state. This is not a stepping-stone for me, I am not trying to make a name for myself; I want to get conversations started and make things happen in the state house that will better our state. As a policy analyst, I pay close attention to the state legislature and I have become disheartened by the numbers of blatant political favors that go on using taxpayer money; bills that support hunting on such-and-such land with dogs on Sundays, or bail-outs to golf tournaments. It's such a shame, and South Carolinians deserve to know where and how their tax dollars are being spent.  It is one thing to publish a phone number, email address and inform people that you're available during "open door" hours, but it's another thing all-together to engage the public on levels that will provide motivation for involvement.  I feel it's time to give the people of district 98 something they've been lacking for decades, and that is open 2-way communication with Columbia through a representative that is on their side.

What is your leadership style? 

It depends on what the task at hand is, but I feel that I am mostly a participative/democratic leader.

With so few women in elected office here in SC what do you foresee to be your greatest challenge once elected to public office?

I think the biggest challenge for me would be a persistent challenge for women leaders all over, that would be the ever-too-common misconception that the experiences that women bring are not as valuable as those of men.

Has political office been a life-long goal/dream of yours? 

No, but making a difference - a change for the better, that will benefit many, has always been a dream of mine.

Your mother always said…

 "Always stand up for what you believe in but be ready to face the consequences."

To learn more about Ms. Jackson, visit her website at www.jacksonforsc.com.