Jason Payne for SC House District 83 — Ready to Serve

Meet Jason

A lifetime of service.
A future built for District 83.

Army veteran. Husband. Father. Neighbor. Candidate.

Jason Payne is a devoted man of faith, a proud husband and father, an Army veteran, and a lifelong learner whose life has been guided by his faith, family, and service to country. A native of New Orleans, Jason spent more than two decades serving under the American flag in the United States Army, leading with integrity, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to those around him. His journey has taken him across the nation and around the world, but in 2018, he and his family chose North Augusta as the place to put down roots and call home.

Grounded in his faith and inspired by the values that make America strong, Jason believes that strong families and strong communities are the foundation of a prosperous future. After years of answering the call to serve our nation, he is once again stepping forward—this time to serve the people of South Carolina House District 83. Grateful for the safe, welcoming, and close-knit community that embraced his family, Jason is committed to giving back through servant leadership, common-sense solutions, and a dedication to preserving the values that matter most.

Service is woven into the fabric of Jason’s life. He and his wife met while serving on active duty in the U.S. Army, building a family rooted in faith, love, and sacrifice. His family’s legacy of military service spans nearly every branch of the armed forces, reflecting a deep respect for the freedoms and opportunities represented by the American Flag. That legacy instilled in him the values of duty, personal responsibility, sacrifice, and putting others before self—principles that continue to guide his leadership today.

For Jason Payne, public service isn’t a new chapter; it’s a lifelong calling. Guided by faith, strengthened by family, and inspired by a love for America, Jason is ready to serve District 83 with honor, humility, and a steadfast commitment to the people he hopes to represent.

See where Jason stands
Jason Payne with his wife Ellie and their three children in North Augusta, SC.
Jason with his wife Ellie and their children — the Paynes have called North Augusta home since 2018.

Service & Leadership

  • U.S. Army, Military Intelligence

    Nearly 22 years of service with two tours to Afghanistan and one tour to Guantanamo Bay.

  • Savannah River National Laboratory

    Global Security professional since 2022, applying intelligence and security expertise to national missions.

  • North Augusta Public Safety Foundation

    Former Chairman (Oct 2023–May 2025) and continuing volunteer, supporting local police, fire, and animal control services.

  • Child Advocacy Center of Aiken

    Volunteer Parent Project Instructor (April 2022–January 2024), helping families build stronger homes.

  • Local Government Internship

    City of Louisville, GA — focused on affordable housing initiatives at the community level.

  • Husband, Father, Neighbor

    Raising three children with his wife. The Paynes have called North Augusta home since 2018.

Education

  • A.A.Criminal Justice
  • B.S.Criminal Justice
  • M.S.International Relations
  • M.P.A.Public Administration
  • Ph.D.Business Analytics & Data Science (in progress)
Jason at his Master of Science in International Relations graduation.
M.S. International Relations graduation

From a life of service

Moments from more than two decades in uniform and on the home front — with soldiers, with neighbors, and with family.

Recognition

Jason at the U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy.

Featured

U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy MLK Video (2020)

Jason was featured in an MLK Day video while assigned as a student at the U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy.

Jason with North Augusta Public Safety officers at the K-9 introduction ceremony.

Public Service

North Augusta Public Safety Foundation

Former Chairman and continuing volunteer — supporting local police, fire, and animal control services.

2023–present
Jason connecting with a young person during a community service visit.

Volunteer Service

Child Advocacy Center of Aiken

Volunteer Parent Project Instructor (2022–2024), strengthening families across the CSRA.

2022–2024

What he stands for

The values Jason will bring to Columbia.

Practical. Principled. Always people first.

  • Respect for All Citizens

    Respect for the values and beliefs of fellow citizens — even when we disagree. Good representation starts with listening.

  • Opportunity & Empowerment

    Expanding access to education, economic opportunity, and pathways to success for every resident of District 83.

  • Support for Those Who Serve

    Standing with military service members, law enforcement, healthcare providers, teachers, and social workers.

  • Practical Problem-Solving

    People-first solutions that put real outcomes for District 83 ahead of partisan noise.

Donate · power the campaign