BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C. – As growth, infrastructure demands and quality-of-life concerns continue to shape Berkeley County, a new voice is stepping into the political arena. Montez Aiken, a longtime public servant with roots in both education and law enforcement, is running as a Democrat for South Carolina House District 102, which includes Cross, Pineville, Russellville, St. Stephen, Pinopolis, and some of Bonneau and Cane Bay. He is positioning himself as a candidate focused on community stability, public safety and long-term planning.
Aiken, a Summerville native and graduate of Summerville High School, spent years in the classroom before transitioning into a more than two-decade career in law enforcement, ultimately retiring as a lieutenant and commander of the School Resource Officer unit. His campaign emphasizes what he describes as a “dual-lens” perspective—combining firsthand experience in schools and public safety—to address issues ranging from education funding to infrastructure and community well-being.
In the following Q&A with The Berkeley Observer, Aiken outlines his motivations for running, key priorities for the district, and how he plans to approach the challenges facing one of the fastest-growing regions in South Carolina. He will appear on the ballot during South Carolina’s June 9 primary. If he becomes the Democratic nominee, he will face Harriet Holman, a Republican, during the Nov. 3 general election.
1. What specifically motivated you to run for South Carolina House District 102 at this time?
My motivation is rooted in a lifetime spent right here on the Dorchester-Berkeley county line. This isn’t just a district to me; it’s where I was raised, where I went to school, and where I am raising my own family. Seeing our community transition over the years has shown me that our quality of life is at a crossroads.
I am running because I believe the quality of life—the conditions in which our children grow, our families work, and our seniors age—must be our priority. When our schools are ranked 43rd, when healthcare access is a struggle for rural neighbors, and when our infrastructure lags behind our growth, it impacts the safety and well-being of our loved ones. I’m running to ensure that every family in District 102 has a powerful voice fighting for a foundation of safety, health, and opportunity.
2. For those who don’t know you, explain your background—both professional, educational, and personal.
Personal: I am a proud native of this community and a graduate of Summerville High School. My connection to our schools is deeply personal; my children have attended our public schools—one is already a Summerville High graduate, and my youngest is set to graduate next year.
Educational: I hold a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from the University of South Carolina and a Master of Public Administration with a certificate in City Management from Villanova University.
Professional: I’ve dedicated my life to public service. I began as a public-school teacher, working in both rural and urban settings. I then transitioned into law enforcement, serving over 20 years with the Town of Summerville, eventually retiring as a Lieutenant and Commander of the School Resource Officer unit. I am also a graduate of the FBI-LEEDA Leadership Training.
3. What are the top three issues facing District 102 right now, and how would you address them if elected?
- Education: We must move South Carolina up from the bottom of the rankings. I will fight to raise teacher pay so our educators don’t need second jobs and ensure our classrooms have modern technology and safe buildings. District 102 uniquely covers students in three school districts: Berkeley County School District, Dorchester School District Two, and Dorchester School District Four. Each of these districts have unique challenges that require someone with real experience as an educator and experience in working in the communities to serve the needs of each student.
- Public Safety and Quality of Life: Real safety goes beyond the badge. As a retired officer, I know that when people have what they need to thrive—access to fresh groceries, affordable healthcare, decent-paying jobs, stable housing, and stellar schools—our communities naturally become more peaceful and successful. I will advocate for mental health training for first responders while simultaneously fighting for the social foundations that allow every resident to survive and thrive day-to-day.
- Infrastructure: We need to move from “reacting” to “planning.” This means securing our utility grids (water/power) and using high-quality materials to fix our roads so they last longer and decrease traffic.
4. What areas does your district represent—and how do you hope to appeal to/reach voters in those areas?
District 102 covers vital parts of Berkeley and Dorchester Counties. To reach our voters, I am leaning on my deep roots and my history of service. Whether it is through my work as a police officer or as an educator, I’ve been in our neighborhoods and our schools. I appeal to voters by showing them I don’t just understand the issues—I’ve lived them. I am reaching out through community collaboration, listening to the needs of both our urban and rural residents.
5. What sets you apart from your opponent(s), and why should voters choose you?
What sets me apart is my unique “dual-lens” perspective as both a former teacher and a retired Law Enforcement commander. I understand the “root causes” of community issues. I don’t just see a crime rate; I see the educational or mental health gaps that led to it. Voters should choose me because I bring the science of public administration and the heart of a lifelong resident to the table. I have the vision to lead and the experience to legislate effectively on day one.
6. What has running for office taught you so far?
It has reinforced the importance of listening. While I have lived here my whole life, every person I listen to in the community offers a new perspective on the challenges our neighbors face. It has taught me that despite the national division, people locally want the same things: safe streets, good schools, and to get home to their families faster.
Most importantly, I’ve learned that people want to be able to feel secure. They want equitable wages and healthcare that allows them to meet their basic needs today while creating a secure future for their families. My neighbors aren’t just looking for a politician; they are looking for a community advocate, like me. They are looking for the ability to build a life where their children can grow up healthy and successful right here at home.
7. Growth and development continue to impact Berkeley County—how do you balance economic growth with infrastructure and quality of life concerns?
Growth is a sign of a vibrant community, but it shouldn’t come at the cost of our sanity or safety. We must prioritize “Smart Growth.” This means ensuring that infrastructure—roads, schools, and emergency services—is planned and funded before the ribbon is cut on new developments. I want to ensure that developer impact fees are not passed on to taxpayers or homebuyers to cause any additional burden or strain on families.
Equally important is the preservation of what makes our community home. I am committed to protecting our greenspace, our land, and our water for our families. As we grow, we must be intentional about conservation to ensure that future generations have clean water and natural spaces to enjoy.
Furthermore, we must ensure that the industry we invite into our district is not harmful to our environment. Economic progress should not come via pollution or the excessive diversion of our water resources for data centers. Our development must be sustainable, prioritizing the health of our residents over corporate convenience. We protect our quality of life by ensuring that development doesn’t outpace our ability to provide healthcare access and safe neighborhoods for our loved ones.
8. Residents often raise concerns about traffic and road capacity. What concrete steps would you support to improve infrastructure in this district?
I support a shift toward comprehensive planning and the use of high-quality materials that prevent the “pothole cycle.” Specifically, I will:
- Work with state and local officials to synchronize traffic management to decrease congestion.
- Advocate for better road designs that prioritize safety and efficiency.
- Fight for funding to secure our utility grids and water systems, ensuring our infrastructure is resilient against extreme weather so that we aren’t waiting weeks for our electricity to come on.
9. Where do you stand on property taxes, and what changes—if any—would you advocate for at the state level?
Property taxes must be fair and sustainable, especially for our long-term residents and seniors on fixed incomes who are being “priced out” by rapid growth. I would advocate for reviewing state-level assessment caps and ensuring that the revenue generated from our growth is reinvested back into the local infrastructure and communities of the district that pays it.
10. Public safety is a key concern locally. What policies would you support to strengthen law enforcement and reduce crime?
As a retired Lieutenant, I know safety is more than just a patrol car. I support:
- Enhanced Training: Specifically in mental health and de-escalation to ensure officers have the tools they need for modern challenges and ensure everyone leaves a situation safely.
- Response Time Efficiency: Collaborating with fire and EMS to ensure emergency services can reach every corner of the district quickly.
- Root Cause Addressing: Strengthening our schools and community resources to prevent crime before it starts.
11. Education funding and school capacity are ongoing issues. How would you ensure schools in District 102 are adequately supported as the population grows?
We must address the recruitment and retention crisis. I will fight for a state budget that prioritizes education funding that follows the student, ensuring that growing areas like ours get the resources for new buildings and modern textbooks. We cannot have a “second to none” school system if our teachers are overworked and underpaid.
12. If elected, how will you remain accessible and accountable to the people of District 102?
Accessibility is the foundation of public service. I plan to hold regular “Community Office Hours” throughout the district and maintain an active digital presence. My goal is to be a “collaborative community advocate”—someone who brings the community’s concerns directly to the State House floor.
13. Anything else worth mentioning?
I am a member of several organizations that keep me grounded in our community, including the Fraternal Order of Police, Summerville Rotary Club, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity, and I am a Prince Hall Mason and Shriner. These memberships are not just titles; they are avenues for service that I have walked for decades.
14. Any website/social media pages you’d like to mention or upcoming events?
Donations: https://www.montezaikenforsc.com/donate-1 or https://secure.actblue.com/donate/aikenfor102
Facebook: Montez Aiken for SC House District 102
Tik Tok: Aiken.4.102
Instagram: Aikenforsc1.0.2_
15. Who are you running against for the District 102 (Democrat side), and if you win the primary who will you face in November?
I am currently facing Katie McCravy in the primary. If successful, I will face Harriet Holman, a Republican, in the general election in November.
16. When did you file to run for office and when did you formally announce you were running?
I filed to run for office on March 27, 2026. A formal announcement was made via Facebook on April 7, 2026.
17. There is such political division in the country. How do you intend to bridge the gap and reach out to both sides?
I’ve spent my career in two of the most demanding fields: education and law enforcement. In those roles, the “side” someone is on doesn’t matter when there is a crisis or a child needs to learn. You lead with empathy and drive change through collaboration. I intend to focus on the issues that affect us all—safe roads, quality schools, and reliable healthcare. Equitable wages, community safety, better infrastructure, and so much more —to find common ground and move South Carolina forward. I put people over party. I will lead with vision and serve with purpose because no matter the challenge hope always rises.
Editor’s Note: The Berkeley Observer is committed to providing fair, accurate and comprehensive coverage of local elections and the candidates seeking to represent our community. We do not endorse specific candidates. Instead, we believe in equipping voters with clear, accessible information so they can make informed decisions at the ballot box. Other candidates interested in a Q&A may reach out to us at: [email protected].
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