Tonight, Republican Jay Gray announced his intentions to run in the June primary for the South Carolina House of Representatives, District 68. Currently Heather Ammons Crawford holds that seat. Crawford also intends to run for re-election.
Socastee, SC — Jay Gray, small business owner, real estate professional, former firefighter, and longtime community advocate, today announced his candidacy for the South Carolina House of Representatives, District 68.
Gray, the oldest of eight children raised in a blended family, credits his early life challenges with shaping his work ethic, independence, and commitment to service. In his early twenties, he served as a firefighter, where he witnessed firsthand the importance of preparedness, infrastructure, and accountable government.
Eight years ago, Gray moved to South Carolina and built a business from scratch without inherited networks, family backing, or an established sphere of influence. Since then, he has lived and worked in the Socastee community, spending five of those years in the Forestbrook area. Through his work with homeowners, investors, and local entrepreneurs, he has developed a deep appreciation for history, small businesses, responsible growth, and the opportunity South Carolina offers to families seeking their next chapter.
“South Carolina gave me opportunity,” Gray said. “I believe it’s our responsibility to protect it, strengthen it, and ensure the next generation inherits something even better.”
Jay Gray’s campaign will focus on:
Term Limits and Accountability — Ensuring elected officials remain connected to the people they serve and preventing career entrenchment in government.
Tax Reduction — Pursuing meaningful reductions in property taxes and income taxes to protect homeowners, retirees, and working families.
Judicial Reform — Increasing transparency and accountability within South Carolina’s judicial system.
Infrastructure Investment and Planning — Advancing proactive infrastructure planning to support population growth, protect public safety, and sustain economic expansion.
Responsible Growth — Balancing tourism, development, and local quality of life while preserving property rights and strengthening wealth-building opportunities for residents. Jay Gray emphasizes that growth must be strategic, not reactive. With Horry County continuing to expand, he believes thoughtful investment in roads, utilities, and public safety infrastructure is essential to protecting both longtime residents and newcomers.
“Our hospitality industry, our small businesses, and our neighborhoods all depend on smart planning,” Jay Gray said.
“We can welcome growth while honoring the people who built this community.”
Gray and his wife live in Forestbrook near the ICW with their ducks, chickens, and a menagerie of animals.
For more information, follow Jay Gray’s official campaign channels that will be launched in the coming days
Local News Via - MyrtleBeachSC.com
