Blake Sanders, Mayor of West Pelzer, recently announced his campaign for South Carolina State House as a Republican in District 9. Current State Representative Anne Thayer announced she was not seeking re-election in 2024.
Sanders has a strong, conservative record as Mayor and significantly reduced the tax burden for West Pelzer families. Instead of increasing taxes, he established recurring funds through creative marketing and small business recruitment.
Sanders said he will run a campaign centered on common sense conservative principles. “I believe we need leaders willing to put common sense principles over politics. I believe we need leaders who recognize what government should be doing and not be doing.”
“I believe we need leaders who understand the connecting power of infrastructure in our lives,” Sanders said. “I believe we need leaders who won’t cast aside their conservative beliefs when it comes to protecting every life or fighting for the 2nd Amendment.”
“I’m running for State House because we need a conservative government comprised of strong leaders who can walk and chew gum at the same time. South Carolina is blessed with hard-working, God-fearing people. It’s time to get to work.”
Sanders’ vision for South Carolina puts people over politics. When he took office as Mayor, the town of West Pelzer had 0% occupancy in its downtown area, failing roads, and no vision for the future. Eight years later, the downtown has a 100 percent business occupancy and attracts 25,000 visitors annually.
The Sanders Conservative Common Sense Plan will:
1. Fix Our Infrastructure – Address Unchecked Growth
2. Cut Wasteful Government Spending – Return Dollars to Taxpayers
3. Protect Conservative Family Values – Defend the Unborn and our 2nd Amendment Rights
4. Attract Jobs & Small Businesses – Focus on Families First
5. Invest in High-Quality Education – Create a Parental Bill of Rights
Sanders thanked Rep. Anne Thayer for her service to the state. “Anne is a strong voice and positive advocate for Anderson County. My family and I are praying for Anne in her next chapter of service. As a lifelong resident of Anderson County, I know this community is like no other. I promise to listen to the people. No one will work harder for families in Columbia.”
Sanders is a husband, father, landscape architect, professor, and currently the Mayor of West Pelzer. Sanders grew up in West Pelzer and returned with his wife, Ashley, in 2007 to raise their two children. Sanders is the President and founder of Studio Main, a local planning and landscape architecture firm. The first in his family to graduate from college, Sanders holds a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture from Clemson University and is now a lecturer at the University. Sanders has served Anderson County in numerous business leadership and volunteer roles.
For more information, visit voteblakesanders.com. Sanders can be reached for comment at blake@voteblakesanders.com or 864-617-0347. The GOP Primary is in June 2024.
