(Orangeburg, SC) – The Office of Representative Jerry N. Govan, Jr. (District 93 – Calhoun, Lexington & Orangeburg Counties) issues the following statement regarding the proposed gaming project in Santee:
As the elected representative for the area most directly impacted by the proposed casino development, Rep. Govan has conducted a focused review of all available information and engaged residents, listened to local concerns, and gathered input from a variety of stakeholders before issuing any public position.
“In my three decades of public service, I’ve learned that responsible leadership begins with listening,” said Rep. Govan. “Before making any commitment, I have made it a priority to meet with those who would be most affected residents living near the proposed site, local faith leaders, small business owners, and community stakeholders. These voices are not background noise—they are the pulse of our community.”
The project, slated for the site of the old Santee Mall, has generated public interest and debate. Rep. Govan addressed both the historical context and the significance of the opportunity, while making clear that he will insist on fairness and transparency throughout the process.
“As for the moral issue of whether the State of South Carolina should legalize gambling—that decision was made over twenty-five years ago when we sanctioned the state lottery and casino boat.
As the representative of the area most immediately affected, it would be irresponsible for me to stand in the way of what is clearly the most important and economically impactful opportunity for Santee and the surrounding areas since the 1950s—when Santee was in serious consideration as the preferred site for Disney World.
However, a lot of things need to be addressed and considered by state, county, and local officials—and most importantly, by the people who live in the area whose lives will be directly impacted. But first things first: the creation of the commission.”
“This is a transformational opportunity that will impact the area for generations to come.”
While voicing conditional support for the project, Rep. Govan emphasized that the integrity of the process matters just as much as the outcome.
“My support is contingent on transparency, accountability, and community engagement,” he said. “Timely, accessible communication must be provided through trusted state and local media—not just social media posts from developers. The people deserve more.”
Representative Govan will be coordinating opportunities for direct community input in the coming weeks and remains committed to ensuring that the citizens of District 93 are not only heard—but empowered.
