COLUMBIA, S.C. – First Circuit Solicitor David Pascoe officially filed today to run for Attorney General in the Republican primary, saying South Carolina needs a prosecutor willing to confront the culture of corruption that has taken root in Columbia.

Pascoe built his reputation leading the Statehouse corruption probe that removed some of the most powerful politicians in South Carolina history. He says the job of Attorney General is not about politics. It is about making South Carolina the safest and least corrupt state in America.

“The Columbia elites didn’t want me filing for office, but here I am anyway. They’re all running scared because they know voters are done with the culture of corruption in Columbia,” Pascoe said. 

Pascoe has spent much of the past five years traveling the state speaking to Republican groups about combating corruption in Columbia and reforming the judicial system. He has repeatedly warned that the system in the Statehouse allows insiders and special interests to protect themselves while ordinary citizens are left behind.

“Politicians do not fear other politicians,” Pascoe said. “The only thing a corrupt politician fears is a prosecutor.”

Pascoe said South Carolina must focus its law-enforcement resources on the criminals who do the most damage to communities, particularly repeat offenders and illegal immigrants who commit crimes. He also said protecting children must be a top priority by strengthening prosecutions in child-victim cases and ensuring the justice system works for victims rather than defendants.

Another central focus of Pascoe’s campaign will be the fight for conservative judges.

“Our courts must be guided by judges who respect the Constitution and apply the law faithfully,” Pascoe said. “For years I have spoken out against activist judges and pushed for judicial reform. That fight will continue.”

Pascoe said his campaign is part of a broader movement among citizens who are tired of the corruption, complacency, and insider politics that have dominated Columbia for too long.

“This campaign is not about one person,” Pascoe said. “It is about the people of South Carolina taking their government back and restoring the rule of law.”

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