Ed Sutton - Flying C-17s from Afghanistan to the SC State Senate

In this episode, Grace talks with Ed Sutton, a candidate for the new State Senate seat in District 20. Sutton, a Citadel graduate and Air Force veteran, shares his unique journey from military service to politics including his experience as a C-17 pilot flying refugees out during the Kabul evacuation. He outlines his campaign's key issues: infrastructure, housing, and education, and critiques current housing and educational policies in South Carolina. He stresses the importance of nuanced political conversations and local-focused solutions, advocating for less political tribalism and more practical governance. 00:00 Introduction to Ed Sutton 00:36 Ed Sutton's Military Background 01:37 Political Views and Democratic Messaging 04:32 Running for State Senate: District 20 07:12 Challenges and Misconceptions in Politics 09:41 The Kabul Evacuation Experience 17:58 Infrastructure, Housing, and Education Policies 23:14 Controversial Legislation on Education 26:33 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Copyright 2025 Grace Cowan The Statehouse Report – South Carolina's leading online legislative and policy forecast The Arena - South Carolina The Alliance Coalition - South Carolina All Things Frogmore Stew SC Votes - South Carolina Election Commission The Poets of Rhythm - "South Carolina