I am the first woman in my family to go to college, and the only doctor. I chose to become an OB/GYN, and have had the privilege to care for thousands of South Carolina women, deliver thousands of South Carolina babies, and teach hundreds of medical students and residents. It is my delight to see the babies of Spartanburg and Greenville grow up!

I became a doctor to help people live their best, most healthy lives. Health is much more than just visits to the doctor. Our health is determined by many factors, including access to healthcare and economic opportunity. By the time patients walk through the door of their exam room, if they can get healthcare at all, our efforts are often just a temporary fix to bigger problems. I work to change that every day as a physician, and know I can do so much more as your Senator in District 12.

I grew up in Charlotte, with my parents, 2 sisters and a brother. I met my husband Dr. Marc Bingham, in medical school. We are the proud parents of four amazing people. Like all parents, we are always juggling the needs of family, school, and work! Jack is a junior in the Honor College at USC – Columbia, majoring in Environmental Science and Journalism. Rex is a sophomore at College of Charleston, majoring in International Business. Merlot is a senior at Oakbrook Preparatory School and plays on the Varsity volleyball team. Evangeline is a sophomore at Dorman High School and plays on the JV volleyball team. We are active members of the First Presbyterian Church in Spartanburg, and have lived on the Westside of Spartanburg since 2005 with our three dogs, two rescue cats, and a variable number of beehives. Yes! We are a family of beekeepers!

Education is our most powerful vehicle for social change, and I am a teacher. As a Board-certified OB/GYN, I teach and promote health education in high schools, medical school, medical missions, and in our community. I have taught sex education programs and parent programs in our schools and churches. I have had the privilege of training medical students and residents as an Assistant Professor at USC – Columbia School of Medicine since 2016, and I developed the advocacy curriculum for the Department of OB/GYN.  I also enjoy being a trainer and speaker for the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) on contraceptive access initiatives.

I volunteer for advocacy groups that build bridges between organizations, share information, and improve healthcare for our community. I have been an active member of legislative delegations to Washington, DC, with the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), have met many of our local and national representatives, and work to understand more of the challenges we face in improving health for underserved communities.

Taking care of women and families in our community is my life’s work. Teaching and advocacy are my passions. Sharing knowledge gives people the tools to change and better their own lives and collaborating with other leaders can result in change that impacts our entire community, state, and nation. I now want to take all my public health experience and advocate for you in Columbia as your SC Senator.

I am dedicated to working together to further the health and economic mobility of the people of South Carolina. For the past decade I have been one of the physician experts working with local teams to support the work of the South Carolina Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy and the South Carolina Birth Outcomes Taskforce. The work of these groups is close to my heart and paves the way for all families of South Carolina to have better lives.

As an Elder at First Presbyterian Church of Spartanburg, my church home is an essential part of my life. I am honored to be part of the congregational leadership, and serve our community in many capacities. I have been delighted to lead the Witness Season efforts for a number of years to raise funds for projects such as building schools, providing nutrition programs, and support flooded communities. My work in both local and international missions is focused on my public health roots. Caring for people in different communities reminds me how similar we all are — each person strives to provide the best for their family.

We have abundant resources here in South Carolina, and we should be making bigger strides to take care of people in need. My work as Chair for the Spartanburg Faith Initiative to End Child Poverty Summit has been a powerful reminder of the unique challenges that our community faces, from gaps in income to housing uncertainty to lack of healthcare. As a Board Member of the United Way of the Piedmont, I am very fortunate to be part of the effort to support and grow the projects of the non-profit agencies of our community helping the most vulnerable people in our community. I see so many needs in District 12, and I know our families deserve to be heard in the legislature.

It is my privilege to do this work and use the talents and resources I have been blessed with to serve others. I will be the only physician in the Senate, and one of only a few women Senators, and I will provide a vital missing voice as we debate all the issues of health, education, jobs, and infrastructure that affect all our families.

I would be honored to have your vote and promise that I will work harder than anyone to ensure a healthier and more prosperous future for all South Carolinians. Let’s do this together!