South Carolina Treasurer Candidate Spotlight: Curtis Loftis

As part of our continuing effort to bring local news that’s impactful to our readers, we’ve proactively reached out to the candidates running for the South Carolina Treasurer

We will not manipulate their answers in any way, we’ll simply provide to you, our readers. This will allow you to make an informed choice.

This week, we’ll introduce Curtis Loftis

Protecting South Carolina’s Money. Serving South Carolina’s People.

By Curtis Loftis, South Carolina State Treasurer

I was born and reared in Lexington County, and South Carolina has always been home. The values I learned growing up—hard work, personal responsibility and standing up for what’s right—have guided me throughout my life.

Before becoming State Treasurer, I spent more than 30 years in the private sector building and running businesses. I learned firsthand what it means to meet a payroll, manage a budget and make tough financial decisions. Those experiences taught me something government should never forget: every dollar matters, and somebody worked hard to earn it.

When I first ran for State Treasurer, I believed South Carolina needed more transparency, accountability and responsible management of the people’s money. I still believe that today.

I’ve enjoyed the privilege of serving as South Carolina’s State Treasurer, and I’m proud of what our office has accomplished.

During my tenure, the Treasurer’s Office has managed and safeguarded hundreds of billions of dollars in public funds. We’ve worked to strengthen the state’s financial position, protect its strong credit ratings and earn competitive investment returns while keeping taxpayer money safe.

But being State Treasurer is about more than managing investments and balancing accounts. It’s about making government work for the people it serves.

Since I took office, our Unclaimed Property Program has returned more than $470 million to its rightful owners. That’s money belonging to hardworking South Carolinians, businesses and families—not government. Every dollar returned reminds us why this work matters.

We’ve also helped South Carolina families prepare for the future. Our Future Scholar 529 College Savings Plan has grown to more than 250,000 accounts and $8 billion in assets, helping families save for education. Our Palmetto ABLE Savings Program helps individuals with disabilities and their families build greater financial independence.

These programs make a real difference in people’s lives, and I want to see them continue to grow.

Of course, managing billions of dollars comes with enormous responsibility. We must protect public funds from fraud and cyber threats, invest wisely, carefully manage state debt and maintain South Carolina’s strong financial standing.

We must also keep asking tough questions.

I’ve never been afraid to challenge the political establishment when I believe taxpayers deserve answers, whether questioning investment fees, demanding transparency or fighting fraud, waste and abuse.

That fight is never easy. Those who benefit from the status quo don’t always appreciate someone asking questions. The political firestorms I’ve endured for bringing waste and misuse to light have been severe, but that is sometimes the cost of demanding reform. I’ve never backed away from that responsibility.

Looking ahead, my priorities remain straightforward: protect taxpayer dollars, make smart investments, hold government accountable and deliver results for South Carolinians.

I will continue strengthening our financial operations, protecting the state’s credit ratings and ensuring taxpayer dollars are managed responsibly.

South Carolina is my home. I’ve spent my career working, building businesses, serving others and standing up for what I believe is right.

The State Treasurer’s Office belongs to the people of South Carolina, and the money we manage belongs to them, too. That is a responsibility I have never taken lightly.

To learn more about my record and priorities, visit www.curtisloftis.com.