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Candidate has not yet responded.
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Campaign Phone
8436967335
Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/ElectSonjaOgletreeSatani4SC98/
Education
Doctor of Management in Organizational Leadership, MBA in Human Resource Management, MBA in Health Care Management, BA in Spanish
Experience
Veteran of the United States Air Force, Professor at ECPI University, President/CEO of Corporate Cycle Consulting, LLC
I want to represent District 98 as a State Representative because I believe our community deserves a strong voice in the decision-making process—especially the voices of women, mothers, veterans, and those who may not always be heard in traditional power structures. I’ve seen firsthand the challenges faced by our community, and I want to bring about positive change by fighting for affordable healthcare, supporting quality public education, and economic opportunities for all residents.
What makes me uniquely qualified is my diverse experience. I bring over 30 years of leadership expertise from my time in the military, the business world, and as a college professor. As an Air Force veteran, I’ve learned the importance of discipline and a solution-oriented approach to problem-solving. My work as a business consultant and organizational development expert has equipped me to handle complex issues and develop practical, results-driven strategies. As a college professor, I’ve had the privilege of shaping the next generation of leaders, understanding the importance of education, and staying in touch with the needs of younger generations.
These experiences, combined with my deep ties to the community as a mother and active member of local organizations like the Tri-County Exchange Club and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., position me to effectively advocate for our district in the State House and ensure our voices are heard.
The most pressing issues facing my constituents right now include women’s rights to make decisions about their healthcare, the need for quality public education, economic opportunities, taxation, infrastructure improvements, and keeping our community and schools safe from gun violence. These are critical areas that deeply impact the daily lives of the people in District 98.
Women’s Healthcare Rights: Protecting a woman’s right to make decisions about her healthcare with her physician, without government interference, is a top priority. I strongly support access to comprehensive healthcare services, including reproductive healthcare. As your State Representative, I will fight to ensure that these rights are protected and that women have the healthcare options they need.
Quality Public Education: Our public schools need better funding and resources to provide quality education for every child, regardless of their background. As a college professor and mother, I understand the importance of education for both individual success and the future of our community. I will advocate for increased funding for our schools, better pay for teachers, and policies that support student achievement.
Economic Opportunities: Many families in our district struggle to find good-paying jobs and opportunities to advance. I want to foster an environment where small businesses can thrive and where we attract industries that bring sustainable, high-paying jobs to the area. I will support workforce development programs that prepare residents for the modern job market and help lift families out of economic hardship.
Taxation: Fair and reasonable taxation is essential for ensuring we have the resources to fund public services like education, healthcare, and infrastructure. I will work for a tax system that is fair, efficient, and does not overburden working families and small businesses, while ensuring our state can provide the services our community needs.
Infrastructure for Roads and Highways: Many roads and highways in our district are in disrepair, creating dangerous conditions and longer commute times. Improving our infrastructure is critical for safety and supporting economic growth. As your representative, I will push for better funding and smarter investments in transportation infrastructure to ensure our roads are safe and reliable.
Gun Violence and School Safety: Keeping our community and schools safe from gun violence is a priority I take very seriously. Every parent deserves to send their children to school without fear, and every resident should feel secure in their community. I support common-sense gun safety measures such as expanded background checks, mental health resources, and responsible gun ownership education. I will work to ensure our schools have the funding they need for security measures, mental health support, and violence prevention programs, making our classrooms safe learning environments for every student.
The impact I can have on these issues stems from my extensive leadership experience, my deep ties to the community, and my commitment to listening to the needs of my constituents. I am ready to fight for practical solutions that will improve the quality of life for everyone in District 98.
Public opinion in my district would play a significant role in how I formulate my positions on legislation and how I initiate new bills. As a representative, my primary duty is to serve the people of District 98, which means ensuring their voices are heard and reflected in the decisions I make. I believe strongly in community engagement and transparency, and I would regularly seek input from constituents through town halls, surveys, meetings, and direct communication to stay connected to their needs and priorities.
When it comes to formulating positions on legislation, I will prioritize listening to the concerns and desires of my constituents. Public opinion will help guide my stance on key issues such as healthcare, education, economic opportunities, taxation, and public safety. This input is essential because it ensures that I am advocating for solutions that resonate with and directly impact the community.
As I initiate legislation, I will also look to public opinion to identify issues that matter most to the people I represent. Whether it's expanding access to quality education, improving infrastructure, or addressing gun violence, my goal will be to craft legislation that addresses the real challenges and aspirations of my constituents. To me, being a representative means being the voice of the people, and I will always keep their opinions and feedback at the forefront of my work.
Public opinion will not only inform the decisions I make but also help me stay accountable and ensure that I am making choices that reflect the will of the community. This is how I will build trust, create meaningful change, and represent District 98 effectively.
I support expanding access to affordable, comprehensive healthcare for all, including Medicaid expansion. Healthcare is a fundamental right, and no one should be denied access to care due to their financial situation. Expanding Medicaid is a crucial step toward closing the coverage gap and ensuring that low-income families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities have access to essential healthcare services.
Medicaid Expansion: I am a strong advocate for Medicaid expansion in South Carolina because it would provide health coverage to hundreds of thousands of people who currently fall into the coverage gap—those who make too much to qualify for traditional Medicaid but too little to afford private insurance. Expanding Medicaid would not only improve access to care but also bring in significant federal funding that would strengthen our healthcare infrastructure, create jobs, and reduce the financial burden on hospitals and healthcare providers, especially in rural areas.
Current Healthcare Policies: While the Affordable Care Act (ACA) has expanded access to healthcare for many, there are still gaps in coverage and affordability. I support efforts to improve the ACA by addressing high prescription drug costs, reducing premiums, and expanding subsidies to make healthcare more affordable for middle-class families. I also believe in protecting the essential benefits that the ACA provides, including coverage for pre-existing conditions, mental health services, and maternal healthcare.
Women’s Healthcare: I am committed to defending women’s healthcare rights, including access to reproductive healthcare and family planning services. Women should be able to make decisions about their own health in consultation with their doctors, without government interference.
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services: We must do more to ensure that mental health services are fully integrated into our healthcare system. I support increasing funding for mental health and substance abuse treatment, which are critical to addressing the opioid crisis and the growing mental health challenges in our state.
As your representative, I will fight to expand Medicaid, improve healthcare access, and ensure that every resident of District 98 has access to affordable, quality healthcare. This is not only a matter of equity and justice but also a practical step to reduce healthcare costs, improve public health outcomes, and strengthen our community's well-being.
South Carolina is currently one of the few states in the country without a hate crime law, and this gap in our legal framework leaves vulnerable communities without adequate protections from targeted violence.
Protection for Vulnerable Communities: Hate crimes are not just attacks on individuals—they are attacks on entire communities based on their identity. By passing a hate crime law, we would send a clear message that targeted violence will not be tolerated and that our state values the safety and dignity of all people. This law is especially critical as we’ve seen a rise in hate-driven violence across the country and even here in South Carolina.
Deterrence and Justice: A hate crime bill would serve as both a deterrent and a means to seek justice for victims. Enhanced penalties for hate-motivated crimes would hold perpetrators accountable and ensure that those who commit these heinous acts face consequences that reflect the gravity of their offenses. This is not only a matter of public safety but also one of basic human decency and justice.
Equality and Inclusion: Passing a hate crime bill would demonstrate South Carolina’s commitment to equality and inclusion. It would show that we are a state that stands against hatred, bigotry, and discrimination. This is vital for fostering a more inclusive society where people of all backgrounds feel safe and valued.
I support the bill because it aligns with my commitment to protecting the rights and safety of all South Carolinians, including minority groups, LGBTQ individuals, and people with disabilities. Throughout my career, I have stood by marginalized communities, and I believe this legislation is necessary to protect those who are often the targets of hate and violence.
