Joe Cunningham

Joseph Kendrick Cunningham is an American lawyer and politician who served as the U.S. Representative for South Carolina's 1st congressional district from 2019 until 2021. A member of the Democratic Party, Cunningham gained national attention when he won a tightly contested election in 2018, marking a significant shift in a district that had been predominantly Republican for decades. After one term in Congress, he lost his bid for re-election in 2020 and subsequently ran for governor of South Carolina in 2022.

Early life and career

Cunningham was born on May 26, 1982, in Caldwell County, Kentucky, and spent his formative years in Kuttawa, Kentucky. He completed his high school education at Lyon County High School in 2000. Following high school, Cunningham attended the College of Charleston for two years before transferring to Florida Atlantic University in 2002. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in ocean engineering in 2005.

Cunningham began his professional career as an ocean engineer, working for a consulting firm in Naples, Florida, for five years. His career path took a turn when he spent time in South America learning Spanish, which broadened his cultural and linguistic skills. In 2011, he enrolled in law school at Northern Kentucky University's Salmon P. Chase College of Law, where he completed his Juris Doctor degree in 2014. After graduating, Cunningham worked as a construction attorney for the Charleston law firm Lyles & Lyles. In addition to his legal career, he co-owned a yoga studio with his wife, which reflects his diverse interests and entrepreneurial spirit. His background in law and engineering provided him with a unique perspective that he later brought to his political career.

House tenure

Cunningham announced his candidacy for the United States House of Representatives in South Carolina's 1st congressional district in July 2017. He secured the Democratic nomination with a significant majority of the vote. Initially, he anticipated facing Republican incumbent Mark Sanford in the general election. However, Sanford was defeated in the Republican primary by state Representative Katie Arrington. In the general election, Cunningham narrowly defeated Arrington, receiving approximately 50.7% of the vote. This victory was notable as it marked the first time since 1986 that a Democrat had flipped a U.S. House seat in South Carolina, and it was particularly significant for the Charleston-based district, which had not been represented by a Democrat since 1981.

During his tenure in the House, Cunningham faced a challenging re-election campaign in 2020. He lost to Republican state Representative Nancy Mace in another closely contested race. The political landscape of the 1st district had shifted, becoming more competitive due to demographic changes in Charleston's suburban areas. Despite his efforts, increased turnout in conservative areas of Beaufort County contributed to his defeat.

Cunningham's first vote as a U.S. Representative was notable; he chose not to support Nancy Pelosi for Speaker of the House, instead casting his vote for Rep. Cheri Bustos from Illinois. This decision highlighted his position within the Democratic Party as a member of the Blue Dog Coalition, which consists of moderate to conservative Democrats. Throughout his time in Congress, he was known for his willingness to engage in bipartisan efforts.

In March 2019, Cunningham drew attention during a committee hearing on the effects of seismic testing on marine life. He used an air horn to illustrate the disruptive impact of commercial air guns on right whales, demonstrating his commitment to environmental issues. His legislative actions included voting in favor of an impeachment inquiry against President Trump and supporting both articles of impeachment later in 2019. Cunningham framed his decision as a matter of upholding the rule of law.

During his two-year tenure, Cunningham introduced two significant pieces of legislation that were signed into law. The Great American Outdoors Act, passed in August 2020, aimed to provide permanent funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund and address maintenance needs in national parks. The VA Telehearing Modernization Act, enacted in April 2020, allowed veterans to participate remotely in appeals hearings before the Board of Veterans' Appeals, enhancing accessibility for those seeking to navigate the appeals process.

Cunningham's farewell address in December 2020 emphasized the importance of bipartisanship and cooperation in governance. He expressed a desire for lawmakers to come together for the betterment of the country. According to reports, he was active in supporting bipartisan legislation during his time in office, ranking among the members who joined such efforts most frequently.

Legislative focus and committees

During his time in the U.S. House of Representatives, Cunningham served on several committees that reflected his legislative priorities and interests. He was a member of the Committee on Natural Resources, where he participated in subcommittees focused on energy and mineral resources, as well as water, oceans, and wildlife. His involvement in these committees underscored his commitment to environmental conservation and resource management.

Additionally, Cunningham served on the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, where he was active in subcommittees addressing economic opportunity and technology modernization. His work in this area demonstrated a focus on improving the lives of veterans and ensuring they received the support they needed.

Cunningham was also a member of several caucuses, including the Blue Dog Coalition, which represents moderate Democrats, the Future Forum Caucus, the New Democrat Coalition, and the Problem Solvers Caucus. These affiliations indicated his inclination towards pragmatic solutions and collaboration across party lines.

After leaving Congress, Cunningham continued his political career by running as the Democratic nominee for governor of South Carolina in the 2022 election, where he faced incumbent Republican governor Henry McMaster. His political journey reflects a commitment to public service and engagement in the political process, shaped by his diverse background and experiences.