Dorchester County councilman considering run for Congress

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) — Republican Dorchester County Councilman Jay Byars is considering a run in South Carolina’s First Congressional District.

Byars announced his intention in an April 10 post on X, writing the country is at a “crucial inflection point,” and the district needs a leader with strong conservative values.

“We need leaders who speak softly but carry a big stick, who will fight against the leftist anti-American agenda who also know how to build bridges of common ground for the good of the community,” he wrote. “But just as importantly, we need someone who has been in the arena, who will protect what makes our Lowcountry so special: our coastal communities, pristine natural resources, rich culture, and unparalleled quality of life.”

Byars, 53, was elected to Dorchester County Council in 2011 and currently serves as chairman of the county’s Parks and Recreation Commission.

During that time, Byars said he has worked “tirelessly” to lower property taxes, protect against overdevelopment, expand infrastructure services, and enhance public safety.

“From teaching high school science and running a business, to spearheading critical infrastructure projects and championing local conservation efforts, I’ve proven time and time again that I know how to get things done – and I know how to build coalitions to do it,” he wrote. “We’ve achieved these goals by listening to our neighbors, working as a team, and ensuring our priorities reflect the values of our community, not some political agenda in Washington.”

Byars is the second person to publicly express interest in the seat held currently by Republican U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace, who is mulling her own gubernatorial bid. The district stretches from

Justin Myers, a Navy veteran and small business owner, launched an independent bid for the seat in February.

Byars said he expects to make an official decision in the coming months after traveling around the district, which stretches along the coast from the South Santee River to Hilton Head Island.