PICKENS COUNTY — Democrat Jason Gale is challenging B.R. Skelton, a veteran of the South Carolina House of Representatives since 2003, for a two-year term in Columbia.

Gale, 37, is a newcomer to politics, running for elected office for the first time.

The owner of Enterprise Software Management and a computer science graduate of Clemson University, Gale said his platform is healthy communities.

“By that I mean supporting health benefits for small business,” Gale said. “Conservation issues and healthy school environments for our children are important.”

Gale also said he was running to protect the state’s unique heritage and to protect families so illness or injury does not wipeout their life savings.

“I am a strong public education advocate,” Gale said. “I believe that (state) superintendent Jim Rex’s programs should be given a chance to work.”

Skelton, 75, a Republican, serves on the education and public works committee in the state House and is chairman of the higher education subcommittee.

Skelton said he would continue to work for education — including kindergarten through 12th grade and higher education — economic development and job creation.

Other issues Skelton said were important include energy; road and bridge maintenance; health insurance and Medicaid; prisons; and the environment.

“I want to continue my service to the people of Pickens County, for whom I have worked for the past 36 years, the last six representing District 3 in Columbia,” Skelton said.