Next week, I’ll officially be sworn into the South Carolina House of Representatives. It feels surreal, especially when I think about how, just a year ago, I was still deciding whether to run. I wanted to represent my community, stand up for their liberty, and push back against the creeping influence of big government. I envisioned working to reduce the size and scope of government while restoring more freedom to the people of South Carolina. To do that, I knew I’d need allies, and in the legislature, that usually means joining a caucus.

What I didn’t expect was the level of division within the Republican Party. There are two main groups in the South Carolina House: the House Republican Caucus (HRC) and the South Carolina Freedom Caucus (SCFC). From the outside, it looked like they were at war with each other. I didn’t want to get caught up in a fight that wasn’t mine—I just wanted to focus on representing my district. But it quickly became clear that only one side was drawing battle lines: the House Republican Caucus. Meanwhile, the SC Freedom Caucus welcomed me with open arms. They even encouraged me to try joining both groups since we’re all Republicans.

text the Speaker and promise never to join the Freedom Caucus if I wanted their support

But then came the ultimatum. A staffer for the Speaker of the House told me I’d need to text the Speaker and promise never to join the Freedom Caucus if I wanted their support. I was shocked. The message was clear: if I didn’t send that text, I’d lose access to financial help for my campaign. Despite the pressure, I refused to make that promise. As a result, I faced attacks from a dark money PAC tied to the Republican establishment. They went after me and every other Freedom Caucus member or candidate, spending millions to try to defeat us. Yet, despite all that, we won. Every single Freedom Caucus incumbent was re-elected, and several new candidates who share our values also won.

Surely after such a resounding defeat and enormous waste of money, a truce might be considered. As a new member of the South Carolina House of Representatives, I had high hopes for unity and principled leadership within the Republican Party. Unfortunately, I have been profoundly disappointed by the direction and decisions of the House Republican Caucus. I cannot in good conscience join a caucus that prioritizes silencing dissent over fostering accountability, and that continues to display weak and ineffective leadership at a time when bold, principled action is needed more than ever.

tipping point for my decision

The tipping point for my decision lies in the HRC’s handling of Rule 16b, or “The Shut-Up Rule.” This rule restricts members from campaigning against one another, effectively muzzling any criticism of legislators who fail to uphold conservative values. The SC Freedom Caucus has been vocal in calling for its repeal and suggesting alternative language, offering an opportunity for the HRC to heal the growing divide within our party. The SC Freedom Caucus said, “Hey, maybe we should repeal this thing and stop acting like fragile snowflakes.” But instead of listening, the HRC doubled down and rewrote the rule to make it even harder to speak the truth. Bravo, folks. Way to lead by example—if the example is censorship and cringe-worthy insecurity.

I came here expecting Captain America and got, I don’t know, Captain Underpants.

Here’s the thing: I was ready to join the team. I really was. I communicated that to several friends inside the HRC. But when I saw how the HRC leadership handled this, it felt like watching a rom-com where the hero turns out to be a total dud. Where’s the passion? The backbone? The leadership? I came here expecting Captain America and got, I don’t know, Captain Underpants.

More troubling than the rule itself is the feeble leadership that perpetuates it. I joined the legislature expecting to find strong, principled leaders willing to fight for conservative values. Instead, I’ve seen leadership more interested in avoiding conflict and maintaining their grip on power. That’s not the kind of leadership South Carolinians need right now. People didn’t elect me to protect fragile egos—they elected me to stand up for them and challenge anyone, Republican or Democrat, who isn’t doing the right thing. I respect many members of the House Republican Caucus, and I’ll gladly work with them on issues where we share common ground. But I can’t join a group that stifles dissent, avoids accountability, and refuses to confront its own shortcomings. I mean, come on. This is politics, not your grandma’s knitting circle. My constituents deserve better, and so does South Carolina.

For these reasons, I have chosen to align with the South Carolina Freedom Caucus—a group that embraces accountability, values bold conservatism, and refuses to be silenced. Leadership requires courage, and the SC Freedom Caucus offers the platform I need to fight for the meaningful change South Carolinians expect and deserve. The Republican Party’s strength lies in its principles, not its rules. It’s time for the HRC to remember that. Until then, I will stand with those who choose principle over politics.