Republican · South Carolina's 2nd District · 2026
Joe Wilson
Wilson and his wife, Roxanne, raised four sons who became Eagle Scouts and served in the military.
Biography
Joe Wilson and his wife, Roxanne, raised four sons who became Eagle Scouts and military officers.1 Born in Charleston, he began participating in Republican politics as a high school student in 1962.2
Wilson earned his undergraduate degree at Washington and Lee University and his law degree at the University of South Carolina, then practiced real estate law as a founding partner of a West Columbia firm.2 He served in the Army Reserve and South Carolina Army National Guard, retiring as a colonel in 2003 after working as a staff judge advocate.2 He also worked as deputy general counsel to the Energy secretary during Ronald Reagan's administration.2
Before entering Congress in 2001, he spent 17 years in the South Carolina Senate and chaired its Transportation Committee.2 His current House assignments include Armed Services, Foreign Affairs, and Education and Workforce.3 He introduced the 2025 MEGOBARI Act, proposing sanctions on certain foreign officials and others undermining the country of Georgia's security or stability.4 The House passed the measure in May 2025.5
Wilson advocates reduced federal spending, a balanced budget amendment and an energy policy that draws on multiple energy sources.6 He also supports temporarily suspending the federal gasoline tax to address household costs.1 He faces Democrat Zyon Khalifa and Workers Party candidate Dayna Alane Smith.7
Record and controversies
House resolution of disapproval
On September 15, 2009, the House voted 240 to 179 to adopt a resolution disapproving of Wilson's conduct during a joint session.8 Wilson had shouted “You lie!” during President Barack Obama's health care address six days earlier.9 He said Obama accepted his apology, but declined a further floor apology and criticized the House action as political.9