Emery Chaplin | State House District 69

My most meaningful memories in Lexington County come from watching my children grow up and thrive in the Lexington One School District. Sitting in the stands at their school events, cheering them on, and seeing teachers pour their hearts into their students gave me a front‑row seat to what makes this community special.

Those moments showed me that Lexington isn’t just a place where families live — it’s a place where families grow. Our schools, our neighborhoods, and our shared traditions create an environment where children can discover who they are and who they want to become. That experience shapes how I view our community: as a place worth protecting, strengthening, and investing in so every family has the same chance to thrive.

My day‑to‑day life is running Sandy Hook Insurance, the agency I own. That work puts me in direct contact with families who are trying to navigate rising costs, complicated policies, and unexpected financial pressures. When someone walks into my office, they’re not talking about politics — they’re talking about real life. They’re talking about premiums that jumped overnight, a claim they’re fighting, or a bill they weren’t prepared for.

Owning an insurance agency gives me a clear window into the struggles working families face in Lexington County. I see how quickly a single rate increase can destabilize a household budget. I see how hard parents work to protect their homes, their cars, and their kids’ futures. That daily reality keeps me grounded and reminds me that policy isn’t theoretical — it’s about whether families can afford to live securely and with dignity.

If I could fix one problem tomorrow morning, it would be the rising cost pressures that hit families from every direction — especially insurance. Whether it’s auto, home, or health coverage, families in Lexington are paying more and getting less.

A single unexpected bill can throw off an entire month. A rate increase can force a family to choose between necessities. If I could snap my fingers and give families immediate relief, it would be to make insurance fair, transparent, and affordable so people can breathe a little easier and focus on raising their kids instead of fighting paperwork and premiums.

I’m stepping up now because I’ve seen firsthand how quickly Lexington is growing and how many families feel unheard in the process. Staying on the sidelines might be easier, but it wouldn’t be right. When you care about your community — when you’ve raised your children here, taught here, and served here — you feel a responsibility to make sure the future is shaped by people who understand the real needs of working families.

What gives me hope is the next generation. I see young people in our schools, our churches or our mosques, and our neighborhoods who are smart, resilient, and ready to build something better. I see teachers who show up every day despite challenges, and families who work hard because they believe in South Carolina’s potential.

That hope — rooted in real people and real experiences — is why I’m stepping forward now.