Beaufort County Council is an elected body responsible for passing ordinances, setting county policies and developing an annual budget for the administration of public services to citizens. Council members serve 4-year staggered terms and each council member sits on at least one - usually a few - of five committees that focus on specific areas of concern. Committees include Community Services, Finance, Executive, Natural Resources and Public Facilities. Committee members must also participate on sub-committees and specific task forces as needs arise. Each Council member represents one of eleven districts within the County.The next South Carolina statewide election is June 9, 2026. It's the State Primary Day. Check back in May 2026 to research your candidates and ballot measures for the election.NOTE: If a candidate's answers are not visible, the candidate may not have completed the survey prior to our publication date. Responses are posted as they are received. Voters are welcome to encourage the candidate to share their views.
Brief Bio
Michael Andersen grew up in a military family before attending the U.S. Air Force Academy and earning his degree in economics from American University. He later served as a Special Advisor at U.S. Customs and Border Protection before moving to Beaufort, where he worked in the Beaufort County Auditor’s Office recovering taxpayer dollars. Today, Michael is an accountant and serves on Beaufort’s Parks and Trees Advisory Committee.
email
info@michaelforbeaufort.com
My priorities for Beaufort County are accountability for taxpayer dollars, protecting the character of our communities, and ensuring infrastructure keeps pace with development. I believe growth should be evaluated based on its long-term impact on roads, drainage, schools, traffic, and quality of life, not just short-term expansion. Beaufort County is not a blank slate, and preserving what makes this place special should remain a priority. I also believe residents deserve transparent government, leaders willing to ask hard questions, and decisions grounded in practical reality instead of political talking points.
Yes. I believe the people and communities of St. Helena Island deserve a strong voice in decisions impacting their future. That includes protecting heirs’ property rights, preserving the island’s natural environment, and ensuring development does not erase the culture, history, and character that make St. Helena unique. Growth and land use decisions should respect the people already living there, not treat the island as a blank slate for unchecked development.
One of the best investments Beaufort County can make is in its young people, especially in rural communities that have too often been overlooked when it comes to recreation and community resources.
Children in places like St. Helena, Dale, and Lobeco deserve safe places to play, opportunities to participate in sports and outdoor activities, and spaces that strengthen community connections. I believe the County should work with local organizations, schools, municipalities, and community leaders to expand access to parks, recreation, and youth programs in underserved areas.
Strong communities are built by investing in the next generation, not just through development, but through quality of life.
I believe every person should be treated with dignity and protected equally under the law.
At the same time, I believe Beaufort County is facing several urgent challenges that require immediate attention from County Council, including infrastructure, drainage, roads, growth management, and fiscal accountability.
Right now, my focus is on the core responsibilities of local government and making sure taxpayer dollars are being directed toward the everyday issues impacting residents across the county.
I believe schools, families, and local communities all have a role to play in helping young people facing difficult situations, including substance abuse and violence.
As a County Council member, I would support working collaboratively with the school district, law enforcement, nonprofits, and community organizations to ensure students have access to counseling, mentorship, and alternative programs that help keep them on the right path.
At the same time, I believe County government should focus on addressing broader quality-of-life issues that impact families across Beaufort County, including safe communities, recreation opportunities, and responsible investment in infrastructure and public services.
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