I believe in America because I believe in South Carolina's Fifth District. Over the past two months, I have traveled this district. While the individuals I met each had different perspectives, different experiences, different challenges and different hopes, they were all bound by an unabashed optimism. They see, as I do, the incredible potential of our state and county.

South Carolina has long been a leader in principled policy. It is no wonder this year our Congressman, Mick Mulvaney, was called on by President Trump to play a key role in shaping a new budget. Congressman Mulvaney is making us all proud, and as one of the Republican candidates running to take his seat, I admit that his shoes will be hard to fill.

Now is not the time to take the easy road. I am running for Congress because I am called upon to do my part in building a better future for my children and for yours.

I want to put my qualifications to work. I am the only candidate with a successful business record, as well as proven experience - albeit brief - in the political arena. As a businessman, I have provided jobs for hundreds of people in our community and have helped to strengthen our local economy. I understand how the economy works, how to balance a checkbook, and how to deliver a product on time and under budget-skills Congress desperately needs.

During my time at the State House, I have represented my constituents as a principled conservative. The South Carolina Club for Growth, the state's leading conservative watchdog, agrees. Earlier this year, they presented me with the Taxpayer Hero Award and a perfect score on their legislative scorecard.

I take pride in my efforts and approach my responsibilities with the seriousness they deserve. While some politicians are content to go-along to get-along, I know that what happens in Washington has tremendous consequences here at home. I am not afraid to fight Democrats and I am not afraid to fight the leadership from my own party when they are wrong.

My allegiance is to you, the voter. I want to help get big government out of your life, help small businesses to thrive, and give you and your family the freedom to create, innovate and succeed.

As your next Congressman, I will be guided by the Tenth Amendment. I will be committed to returning power and decision-making to the states. I will empower middle class families in South Carolina; those frustrated with government, those who understand the value of personal responsibility, and those who believe in the virtues of faith in God.

I will fight to put our federal government's fiscal house in order, pass an amendment to the Constitution requiring balanced budgets, introduce term limits legislation, and repeal President Obama's misguided one-size-fits-all government-run health care plan.

Today, I am asking for your vote because I want the chance to help create more jobs, more wealth and more opportunity for us all.

I am asking for your vote so that, together, we can help make the American Dream the American reality.