Calls the $40 trillion national debt his top concern, saying Congress has 'a spending problem,' not an income problem. Voted against the 2023 Fiscal Responsibility Act for not cutting enough, and wants offsets required for new federal spending while targeting mandatory programs, over 70% of the budget.

Has campaigned on deporting 15 to 20 million people who are in the country illegally and voted for the Laken Riley Act, mandating federal detention for unauthorized immigrants charged with theft, assault, or more serious crimes. Also voted against adding thousands more visas for Afghan wartime allies.

On potential conflict with Iran, opposes sending American ground troops even though military leaders have said eliminating the threat would require it: 'I don't think the country wants that right now.' Says the administration is already doing what it can without invading.

Says he would support eliminating the Senate legislative filibuster to pass the SAVE Act, calling it a top priority: 'I will do whatever it takes to get that... even if it means blowing the filibuster up.' Puts the bill ahead of preserving the chamber's traditional rules.

Lists veterans and military families as a campaign priority but has not detailed specific VA legislation, benefit expansions, or funding levels beyond general pledges of support tied to his broader conservative record.

On tariffs, has defended reciprocal duties even as they've squeezed Palmetto State ports, arguing other countries charged the U.S. first: 'Was it fair for other countries to try to charge tariffs on our products? It's a reciprocal trade.' Ties the policy to rebuilding domestic manufacturing.

Has not articulated a distinct law-and-order platform separate from his immigration-enforcement record, including his vote for the Laken Riley Act's mandatory detention requirements for unauthorized immigrants charged with certain crimes.

Has said he opposes rape-and-incest exceptions in abortion restrictions and would support legislation eliminating them entirely, a position first stated during his 2026 gubernatorial run. Has also voiced support for federal funding of anti-abortion crisis pregnancy centers.

Pledges to be 'laser-focused' on advancing the president's agenda despite the president having endorsed a rival candidate earlier in the campaign cycle. Says supporting him is the job but adds 'you can disagree with him — he loves competing ideas,' distancing himself slightly from unconditional loyalty.

Ties the cost-of-living squeeze to federal spending and energy prices, arguing that reining in Washington's budget and pushing down electricity and fuel costs — rather than new subsidies — is the more durable way to ease pressure on household budgets.

Backs expanding nuclear power generation to meet South Carolina's growing electricity demand, framing lower energy costs as key to easing pressure on family budgets. Points to nuclear specifically, rather than other new generation sources, as the priority for keeping up with population and industrial growth.

Voted for the Stop Insider Trading Act, which would bar members of Congress from trading individual stocks while in office, giving him a concrete vote on congressional self-dealing to point to beyond general 'drain the swamp' messaging about Washington dysfunction.

Voted for the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act, barring transgender athletes from female school sports teams, and has backed restrictions on gender-affirming care for minors within federally funded programs, including military health coverage and Medicaid.

Has co-sponsored a federal balanced-budget constitutional amendment and voted against the 2023 Fiscal Responsibility Act debt-ceiling deal because it didn't cut spending deeply enough, positioning himself to the right of House GOP leadership on the terms for raising the debt limit.