Civic Compass race research snapshot Race: South Carolina House of Representatives — SC House District 9 Data source: Database-backed profile Coverage: Basic Election slug: sc-candidate-profile-enrichment Open online: https://www.ballotvibe.com/races/sc-2026-south-carolina-house-of-representatives-sc-house-district-9?election=sc-candidate-profile-enrichment Open ballot plan: https://www.ballotvibe.com/plan?election=sc-candidate-profile-enrichment#plan-sc-2026-south-carolina-house-of-representatives-sc-house-district-9 Flag race evidence: https://www.ballotvibe.com/trust?election=sc-candidate-profile-enrichment&claimReference=South+Carolina+House+of+Representatives+%E2%80%94+SC+House+District+9#corrections Exported: 2026-11-08T13:02:14.597Z Candidate profile links - Blake Sanders: https://www.ballotvibe.com/candidates/blake-sanders-republican?election=sc-candidate-profile-enrichment - Johnny Estrich: https://www.ballotvibe.com/candidates/johnny-estrich-democratic?election=sc-candidate-profile-enrichment Why this race matters Candidate profile enrichment race created from official filing rows and candidate evidence sources. Evidence coverage Candidates loaded: 2 Claims loaded: 71 Shared issue areas: Education Candidates without evidence: 0 Claims needing review: 24 Stale source count: 0 Candidate comparison 1. Blake Sanders (Republican) Evidence: 21/39 source-backed; 9 high-confidence Issues: Government transparency, Infrastructure, Public safety, Education Values: Government transparency, Anti-corruption, Infrastructure reliability, Public safety, Education quality Public gaps: age_fact, career_or_role_fact, official_voting_record_positions Sources: Observer Runoff Interview: S.C. House Dist. 9 Candidate Blake Sanders — The Anderson Observer — https://www.andersonobserver.com/news/observer-runoff-interview-sc-house-candidate-blake-sanders; Key Issues | Blake Sanders for SC House — https://www.voteblakesanders.com/key-issues; Home | Blake Sanders for SC House — https://www.voteblakesanders.com/ 2. Johnny Estrich (Democratic) Evidence: 20/32 source-backed; 19 high-confidence Issues: Jobs and economy, Campaign finance, Election integrity, Education Values: Economic opportunity, Small business support, Government transparency, Anti-corruption, Institutional accountability Public gaps: age_fact, campaign_policy_claims, career_or_role_fact Sources: Blake Sanders - Ballotpedia — https://ballotpedia.org/Blake_Sanders; Johnny Estrich - Ballotpedia — https://ballotpedia.org/Johnny_Estrich; South Carolina House of Representatives District 9 - Ballotpedia — https://ballotpedia.org/South_Carolina_House_of_Representatives_District_9 Research queue Candidate follow-up: Blake Sanders, Johnny Estrich Source refresh: No stale sources flagged Source-backed claims 1. Blake Sanders — Government transparency — promised Blake Sanders's andersonobserver.com source gives a direct Tier 1 answer on Government transparency: 4. How would you make sure your district is well-represented in Columbia? To ensure SC House District 9 is well-represented in Columbia, a comprehensive approach involves regular communication with constituents through public forums and an active online prese Quote: “4. How would you make sure your district is well-represented in Columbia? To ensure SC House District 9 is well-represented in Columbia, a comprehensive approach involves regular communication with constituents through public forums and an active online presence to stay attuned to their needs. Building strong relationships with other legislators and participating actively in relevant committees helps form coalitions that support the district's interests. Proactively pursuing state and federal funding opportunities, introducing and supporting legislation tailored to the district's priorities, and adapting to policy changes are essential for advocacy. Visible and effective leadership, characterized by collaboration with local governments, businesses, and community organizations, ensures the district's needs are prominently addressed. Transparency and accountability through consistent reporting back to constituents on legislative activities and impacts further strengthen representation. I have said since the beginning of the campaign that this is not about bringing Blake Sanders’ ideas to Columbia, this is about representing the people of District 9.” Source: Observer Runoff Interview: S.C. House Dist. 9 Candidate Blake Sanders — The Anderson Observer — https://www.andersonobserver.com/news/observer-runoff-interview-sc-house-candidate-blake-sanders Report source issue: https://www.ballotvibe.com/trust?election=sc-candidate-profile-enrichment&claimReference=Blake+Sanders+%E2%80%94+Government+transparency&sourceUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.andersonobserver.com%2Fnews%2Fobserver-runoff-interview-sc-house-candidate-blake-sanders#corrections 2. Blake Sanders — Infrastructure — supports Blake Sanders has a source-backed statement on Infrastructure: The bottom line: We need to fix our roads. Quote: “The bottom line: We need to fix our roads.” Source: Key Issues | Blake Sanders for SC House — https://www.voteblakesanders.com/key-issues Report source issue: https://www.ballotvibe.com/trust?election=sc-candidate-profile-enrichment&claimReference=Blake+Sanders+%E2%80%94+Infrastructure&sourceUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.voteblakesanders.com%2Fkey-issues#corrections 3. Blake Sanders — Public safety — opposes Blake Sanders's andersonobserver.com source gives a direct Tier 1 answer on Public safety: 3. Why did you decide to seek this office? Were you asked to run by any groups or individuals? I have had the privilege to work with Representative Thayer and Councilwoman Cindy Wilson since 2015 as the Mayor of the Town of West Pelzer. Their guidance and commitment to Quote: “3. Why did you decide to seek this office? Were you asked to run by any groups or individuals? I have had the privilege to work with Representative Thayer and Councilwoman Cindy Wilson since 2015 as the Mayor of the Town of West Pelzer. Their guidance and commitment to ensuring that we were represented has always stood out to me. We were regularly together at Municipal Association meetings, local events, festivals and meetings, communicated about legislation when appropriate, and were all supporters of our local public safety officials – EMS, police and fire. I have always said that I would never run against either of them and that they have my 100% support for as long as they desire to stay in office. In October 2023, Representative Thayer informed me that she would not be seeking reelection. I prayerfully considered, discussed with my immediate family and mentors, and decided to seek election to continue the positive change that Representative Thayer has brough to District 9 since 2011.” Source: Observer Runoff Interview: S.C. House Dist. 9 Candidate Blake Sanders — The Anderson Observer — https://www.andersonobserver.com/news/observer-runoff-interview-sc-house-candidate-blake-sanders Report source issue: https://www.ballotvibe.com/trust?election=sc-candidate-profile-enrichment&claimReference=Blake+Sanders+%E2%80%94+Public+safety&sourceUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.andersonobserver.com%2Fnews%2Fobserver-runoff-interview-sc-house-candidate-blake-sanders#corrections 4. Blake Sanders — Education — supports Blake Sanders has a source-backed statement on Education: Invest in High Quality Education Quote: “Invest in High Quality Education” Source: Home | Blake Sanders for SC House — https://www.voteblakesanders.com/ Report source issue: https://www.ballotvibe.com/trust?election=sc-candidate-profile-enrichment&claimReference=Blake+Sanders+%E2%80%94+Education&sourceUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.voteblakesanders.com%2F#corrections 5. Blake Sanders — Taxes and spending — supports Blake Sanders has a source-backed statement on Taxes and spending: Cut Wasteful Government Spending Quote: “Cut Wasteful Government Spending” Source: Home | Blake Sanders for SC House — https://www.voteblakesanders.com/ Report source issue: https://www.ballotvibe.com/trust?election=sc-candidate-profile-enrichment&claimReference=Blake+Sanders+%E2%80%94+Taxes+and+spending&sourceUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.voteblakesanders.com%2F#corrections 6. Blake Sanders — Cost of living — supports Blake Sanders's billtrack50.com source gives a direct Tier 1 answer on Cost of living: SANDERS, RICHARD - FollowTheMoney.org We want to make you aware of a recent increase in phishing attempts using fake websites that look very similar to ours, often using a slightly different URL or company name. Quote: “SANDERS, RICHARD - FollowTheMoney.org We want to make you aware of a recent increase in phishing attempts using fake websites that look very similar to ours, often using a slightly different URL or company name.” Source: SANDERS, RICHARD - FollowTheMoney.org — https://www.followthemoney.org/entity-details?eid=59843870&default=candidate Report source issue: https://www.ballotvibe.com/trust?election=sc-candidate-profile-enrichment&claimReference=Blake+Sanders+%E2%80%94+Cost+of+living&sourceUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.followthemoney.org%2Fentity-details%3Feid%3D59843870%26amp%3Bdefault%3Dcandidate#corrections 7. Blake Sanders — Taxes and spending — supports Blake Sanders's billtrack50.com source gives a direct Tier 1 answer on Taxes and spending: What's On This Website? About Our Data Training Resources Civics Lessons Government Disclosure Organizations Visually Speaking Support Us Register Login Entity Details SANDERS, RICHARD Individual Connect Facebook Twitter Support our Work Help Q & A Live Web Tours Quote: “What's On This Website? About Our Data Training Resources Civics Lessons Government Disclosure Organizations Visually Speaking Support Us Register Login Entity Details SANDERS, RICHARD Individual Connect Facebook Twitter Support our Work Help Q & A Live Web Tours Tutorials Playlisted Glossary API Help About Us Mission & History Contact Us Financial Information Privacy OpenSecrets A 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, charitable organization 1100 13th Street, NW, Suite 800 Washington, DC 20005 (202) 857-0044 INFO: info@crp.org © Copyright 2026 OpenSecrets Chart/Map graphics from Highcharts Built with Bootstrap & FontAwesome Content on this site is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 United States License by OpenSecrets.” Source: SANDERS, RICHARD - FollowTheMoney.org — https://www.followthemoney.org/entity-details?eid=59843870&default=candidate Report source issue: https://www.ballotvibe.com/trust?election=sc-candidate-profile-enrichment&claimReference=Blake+Sanders+%E2%80%94+Taxes+and+spending&sourceUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.followthemoney.org%2Fentity-details%3Feid%3D59843870%26amp%3Bdefault%3Dcandidate#corrections 8. Blake Sanders — Jobs and economy — supports Blake Sanders has a source-backed statement on Jobs and economy: Through market analysis and local economic development ordinance incentives, we increased revenues by 50%, spurred $30M in private investment, and proudly now have 100% occupancy and a vibrant Frankville Business District. Quote: “Through market analysis and local economic development ordinance incentives, we increased revenues by 50%, spurred $30M in private investment, and proudly now have 100% occupancy and a vibrant Frankville Business District.” Source: Key Issues | Blake Sanders for SC House — https://www.voteblakesanders.com/key-issues Report source issue: https://www.ballotvibe.com/trust?election=sc-candidate-profile-enrichment&claimReference=Blake+Sanders+%E2%80%94+Jobs+and+economy&sourceUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.voteblakesanders.com%2Fkey-issues#corrections 9. Blake Sanders — Jobs and economy — supports Blake Sanders's andersonobserver.com source gives a direct Tier 1 answer on Jobs and economy: 11. What political figure do you admire most and why? The political figure I admire most is President Ronald Reagan. Reagan’s leadership and unwavering commitment to conservative principles transformed our nation during a critical period in history. His belief in li Quote: “11. What political figure do you admire most and why? The political figure I admire most is President Ronald Reagan. Reagan’s leadership and unwavering commitment to conservative principles transformed our nation during a critical period in history. His belief in limited government, individual liberty, and free-market capitalism revitalized the American economy and restored national pride. Reagan’s ability to communicate a clear, optimistic vision for the future resonated with Americans from all walks of life. He understood that the government’s role should be to empower individuals, not control them. His economic policies, often referred to as “Reaganomics,” led to unprecedented economic growth, job creation, and a stronger middle class. Moreover, Reagan’s strong stance on national security and his dedication to defeating communism were instrumental in ending the Cold War. His famous words, “Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!” symbolized his resolve to promote freedom and democracy around the world.” Source: Observer Runoff Interview: U.S. House Dist. 3 Candidate Sheri Biggs — The Anderson Observer — https://www.andersonobserver.com/news/observer-runoff-interview-us-house-dist-3-candidate-sheri-biggs Report source issue: https://www.ballotvibe.com/trust?election=sc-candidate-profile-enrichment&claimReference=Blake+Sanders+%E2%80%94+Jobs+and+economy&sourceUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.andersonobserver.com%2Fnews%2Fobserver-runoff-interview-us-house-dist-3-candidate-sheri-biggs#corrections 10. Blake Sanders — Cost of living — supports Blake Sanders has a source-backed statement on Cost of living: We must support school choice, support students, support teachers, and support parental rights in their kids’ classrooms. Quote: “We must support school choice, support students, support teachers, and support parental rights in their kids’ classrooms.” Source: Key Issues | Blake Sanders for SC House — https://www.voteblakesanders.com/key-issues Report source issue: https://www.ballotvibe.com/trust?election=sc-candidate-profile-enrichment&claimReference=Blake+Sanders+%E2%80%94+Cost+of+living&sourceUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.voteblakesanders.com%2Fkey-issues#corrections 11. Blake Sanders — Taxes and spending — promised Blake Sanders has a source-backed statement on Taxes and spending: I will ensure Anderson County receives its fair share of tax dollars intended for road improvements, infrastructure projects, recreation, and economic development. Quote: “I will ensure Anderson County receives its fair share of tax dollars intended for road improvements, infrastructure projects, recreation, and economic development.” Source: Key Issues | Blake Sanders for SC House — https://www.voteblakesanders.com/key-issues Report source issue: https://www.ballotvibe.com/trust?election=sc-candidate-profile-enrichment&claimReference=Blake+Sanders+%E2%80%94+Taxes+and+spending&sourceUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.voteblakesanders.com%2Fkey-issues#corrections 12. Blake Sanders — Government transparency — supports Blake Sanders's Ballotpedia questionnaire answer indicates a stated position on Government transparency: What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability? Quote: “What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?” Source: Blake Sanders - Ballotpedia — https://ballotpedia.org/Blake_Sanders Report source issue: https://www.ballotvibe.com/trust?election=sc-candidate-profile-enrichment&claimReference=Blake+Sanders+%E2%80%94+Government+transparency&sourceUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fballotpedia.org%2FBlake_Sanders#corrections 13. Blake Sanders — Education — supports Blake Sanders's Ballotpedia questionnaire answer indicates a stated position on Education: Agriculture, Natural Resources & Environmental Affairs; Education and Public Works Quote: “Agriculture, Natural Resources & Environmental Affairs; Education and Public Works” Source: Blake Sanders - Ballotpedia — https://ballotpedia.org/Blake_Sanders Report source issue: https://www.ballotvibe.com/trust?election=sc-candidate-profile-enrichment&claimReference=Blake+Sanders+%E2%80%94+Education&sourceUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fballotpedia.org%2FBlake_Sanders#corrections 14. Blake Sanders — Taxes and spending — promised Blake Sanders's Ballotpedia questionnaire answer indicates a stated position on Taxes and spending: Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy? "The Fred Factor" by Mark Sanborn - Make a tangible difference, build stronger relationships, create real value for others without Quote: “Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy? "The Fred Factor" by Mark Sanborn - Make a tangible difference, build stronger relationships, create real value for others without spending a penny, and constantly reinvent yourself.” Source: Blake Sanders - Ballotpedia — https://ballotpedia.org/Blake_Sanders Report source issue: https://www.ballotvibe.com/trust?election=sc-candidate-profile-enrichment&claimReference=Blake+Sanders+%E2%80%94+Taxes+and+spending&sourceUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fballotpedia.org%2FBlake_Sanders#corrections 15. Blake Sanders — Infrastructure — supports Blake Sanders's Ballotpedia questionnaire answer indicates a stated position on Infrastructure: Providing strategic planning, infrastructure plans, master plans, park designs, and greenway alignments in the 200 cities/towns under 5000 people in SC brings me the most joy. Quote: “Providing strategic planning, infrastructure plans, master plans, park designs, and greenway alignments in the 200 cities/towns under 5000 people in SC brings me the most joy.” Source: Blake Sanders - Ballotpedia — https://ballotpedia.org/Blake_Sanders Report source issue: https://www.ballotvibe.com/trust?election=sc-candidate-profile-enrichment&claimReference=Blake+Sanders+%E2%80%94+Infrastructure&sourceUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fballotpedia.org%2FBlake_Sanders#corrections 16. Blake Sanders — Election integrity — promised Blake Sanders's Ballotpedia questionnaire answer indicates a stated position on Election integrity: Both sitting legislators and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful? Yes - meeting on the front porch of a constitu Quote: “Both sitting legislators and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful? Yes - meeting on the front porch of a constituent just last week (approx. age 85), I was told that no one has ever taken the time to sit down with him and actually care about his responses to questions. I was fortunate to ask him about national politics, local roads that needed paving, what it 'used to be like', and where we should go next. Learning from our elders is something we shouldn't just do during election season but all of the time. And a plus, a made a new friend that I will now talk to weekly.” Source: Blake Sanders - Ballotpedia — https://ballotpedia.org/Blake_Sanders Report source issue: https://www.ballotvibe.com/trust?election=sc-candidate-profile-enrichment&claimReference=Blake+Sanders+%E2%80%94+Election+integrity&sourceUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fballotpedia.org%2FBlake_Sanders#corrections Use this as a portable race comparison snapshot; verify live sources before making final voting decisions.