Anton J. Gunn is recognized as one of the top under-35 community leaders in America. For more than a decade Anton has advocated for working families and individuals in South Carolina and throughout the country. Through work and volunteerism, Anton has served as a community activist, a consumer advocate, and an educator. As did another Twenty-First Century Democrat candidate, Andrew Rice, Anton lost a brother in an al-Qaeda terrorist attack. Anton’s brother was killed in the 2000 bombing of the U.S.S. Cole. In honor of his brother, Anton is dedicated to achieving real security for those he can serve.

“Mr. Gunn has an aggressive view of government’s role, and he masterfully weaves issues together to sell his vision.” – The State

What Makes Anton an Extraordinary, Visionary Leader?

Anton is running on bold plans for two of the Democratic Party’s meatiest issues: education and healthcare. As a lifetime advocate for children’s issues, Anton calls quality public education “the foundation of our great society.” Anton has a plan to provide better resources and services for South Carolina’s public school children, who suffer from some of the worst public education resources in the nation, and also to increase salaries for the state’s public school teachers. Anton also has plans to make healthcare universal in South Carolina. Responding to the significant development issues in his community, Anton is also pledging to make smart growth one of his top issues, emphasizing better planning; better coordination; and adequate funding for citizens, developers and government to work together to create a sustainable growing community.

“Together we can make South Carolina schools the best in the nation. We can grow our communities without traffic that prevents us from getting home to our families. Together, we can create safe places for our children to play. We can build a healthcare system that takes care of workers while allowing small businesses to thrive.”- Anton Gunn

Background

Anton Gunn currently serves as executive director of South Carolina Fair Share, a nonpartisan, statewide consumer group that investigates public policy and lobbies for reforms that focus on working families in the Palmetto State. He also is an experienced and established small businessman who owns his own motivational speaking company. Anton grew up in Hampton Roads, Virginia and is the eldest son of a Navy veteran and a public school teacher. He is a Gamecock football letterman who walked away from the game to use his leadership for South Carolina’s working families. Anton is married to Tiffany Johnson-Gunn and they have a daughter, Ashley. He is a member of Bible Way Church of Atlas Road. An avid sports fan, Anton enjoys football, basketball, and traveling.

Race Facts

Race Type: Democratic Challenge
Primary Opponent: Bill Cotty
Primary Date: June 13, 2006
Primary Election Results: Won Primary
General Opponent: Rep. Bill Cotty (R-incumbent), Michael Letts (independent)
General Election Date: November 7, 2006
General Election Results: Loss, 44 – 45 percent