Thomas Keith Dismukes for U.S. Senate

07/21/2026

A Quiet Tip of the Hat
Over the past week, many of you have asked whether I would enter the U.S. Senate special election. I owe it to you to give you an update on what is going on.

When I finished the primary, I made a commitment to myself. Before I entered another race, there needed to be enough support—both organizationally and financially—to run a stronger statewide campaign.

I am absolutely ready, willing, and able to serve the great people of SC as their U.S. Senator.

After a great deal of prayer, conversations with family and friends, and what I would simply call "putting out a fleece," Quite simply, the financial support didn't materialize.

And that's okay.

One question I've heard over and over is, "Why did you start at the top by running for the U.S. Senate?"

My answer, jokingly, has always been the same: I didn’t; I’m working my way up to trash collector.

Whether you're the dog catcher, the mayor, the governor, or a United States Senator, they're all public servants. Somewhere along the way, we've turned public service into a pyramid of power, elevating elected officials above the very people they were elected to serve. I believe we need leaders humble enough to turn that pyramid upside down.

Government has a few essential responsibilities: protect our nation, uphold justice, preserve liberty, and then get out of the way so families, churches, businesses, and communities can flourish. Somewhere along the way, we've forgotten to keep the main thing the main thing.

Running a statewide campaign also reminded me how much money modern politics requires. Signs, travel, advertising, mailers, texting, and digital media all add up quickly. Sometimes campaigns begin to resemble the very government they're trying to reform—spending enormous amounts of money, just to be heard.

Truth be told, I’m just a little name in a field of some very big money. I’m just a regular guy who thought maybe the people of South Carolina were ready to elect someone whose campaign budget was closer to a lawn mower than a jet.

One of the things I'm most proud of is that this campaign was real. There were no consultants telling me what to say, no handlers scripting my answers, and no focus groups deciding which position would poll the best. What you saw was simply me—a husband, father, teacher, speaker, neighbor, and follower of Christ trying to serve my country.

I didn't always say what was politically convenient, but I always tried to say what I believed was true. I'd rather lose being authentic than win pretending to be someone I'm not.

The last thing I ever wanted was to enter a race because of pride. If I ever want the title more than service, I hope someone who loves me reminds me to stay home.

So this little guy is going to quietly tip his hat to those willing to carry the torch this time around.

I'll keep doing what I've always tried to do—serve my family, love my neighbors, encourage others, speak when invited, and look for ways to make my community a little better than I found it.
I still believe ordinary people can do extraordinary things.
I still believe America is worth fighting for.
And I still believe that titles don't change the world...
Servants do.
Just call me Thomas.

Chip in to support Thomas today!

07/16/2026

I've been asked the same question over and over the last few days...

"Thomas, are you going to run again for the U.S. Senate?"
The honest answer is…

I'm praying.

Nothing has changed about my heart.
Nothing has changed about my passion.
Nothing has changed about why I ran in the first place.

I still believe America is worth fighting for. I still believe South Carolina deserves leaders who are more interested in doing what's right than doing what's popular. I still believe the government should protect liberty, administer justice, prosecute evil, defend our nation, and then get out of the way so families, churches, businesses, and communities can thrive.

When I first decided to run, I quickly discovered that running for office isn't just about having good ideas. It's about raising enough money for people to even know your name. Television ads, radio, social media, mailers, texting, travel—it all costs money. That's just reality.

And to be honest... I struggled with that.

It's hard to ask people to contribute to a campaign for a job that pays $174,000 a year. It felt backward to me.
But I also learned something.

Nearly 25,000 South Carolinians believed in this campaign. With only a fraction of the money my opponents had, you gave this message a voice. I'll never forget that.

One of the greatest blessings of this campaign was knowing I didn't owe anybody anything. I didn't have to kiss the ring. I didn't have to ask permission to run. I didn't have political strings attached to me.

That's a freeing place to be.

I'm not looking to be a rebel. I want to work with people. I want to build bridges where we can and solve problems together. But I refuse to play political games that have caused so many Americans to lose trust in government.
People are tired of politicians saying one thing and doing another.

I wanted to prove there is still room for ordinary citizens who simply want to serve.

My message hasn't changed.
Fiscal responsibility.
Restore law and order.
Election integrity. Common sense and civility.
End government overreach.
Encourage and equip economic growth.

So yes... I'm praying.

If you're a person of faith, you'll understand when I say I'm laying out several fleeces before the Lord. I don't want this to be about me. I don't need a title. I don't need power.

I simply want to be where God wants me.

I'll also be completely transparent.

Money matters.

Without resources, people never hear your message. That's just the reality of modern campaigns.

The filing fee alone is around $10,440, and that's before the first advertisement ever runs.

I've been talking with community leaders, political leaders, and people who believe in this message. There are opportunities I'm exploring behind the scenes, but I don't want to rush ahead just because there's an opening.
I want to know this is God's timing...not just a political opportunity.

So I'd love to hear from you.

Do you think I should run?
Would you vote for me?
Would you tell others about this campaign?
And if you believe this message deserves another chance, would you consider supporting it financially?

Every contribution—large or small—helps introduce this campaign to someone who has never heard my name.
If you supported me before, thank you. I don't take your trust lightly, and I will do everything I can to be a faithful steward of every dollar. (Donation link below)

If you're looking for another career politician, I'm probably not your guy.
But if you're looking for a husband, a father, a Christian, a working-class citizen who loves this country and simply wants to leave it better than he found it...
I'd be honored to be your voice.

As always...
Just call me Thomas.

Chip in to support Thomas today!

07/12/2026

It's always sad to hear the loss of a life. We only get one go at this. Regardless of what you thought of his political thoughts, he served South Carolina and the United States. My sincerest prayers go out to Lindsey Graham's sister and family during this time of mourning.

07/10/2026

Childhood lasts only a moment, but its influence lasts a lifetime. Let's make sure we're helping build a foundation that points them toward Christ and prepares them well for the years ahead.

I've had the joy this week of serving as a chaperone for six elementary aged boys at CentriKid Camp.

What an adventure.

These boys were excited about life. The simple joy of exploring a creek could keep them entertained for an entire day. No phones. No expensive entertainment. Just curiosity, imagination, and the freedom to be boys.

The purpose of camp is to help children know God more deeply and grow in their relationship with Christ. But as a 52 year old man, I found myself seeing life again through the eyes of a 10 year old. At times it felt like Lord of the Flies—equal parts creativity, exploration, curiosity... and, yes, a little bit of stupidity. It certainly reaffirmed the old saying that "God looks after children and idiots."

One thing that never ceases to amaze me is how wonderfully different boys and girls are. They truly are two unique creations of God, each with their own strengths, personalities, and ways of experiencing the world.

More than anything, it was a privilege to invest a week in these young lives: teaching them, encouraging them, laughing with them, and helping connect everyday experiences back to a relationship with Christ.

The innocence of childhood is precious. We should protect it for as long as we can before they become fully aware of the darkness in this world.

So, I want to encourage every parent, grandparent, teacher, coach, and mentor to use your words wisely. Plant seeds of hope, faith, resilience, creativity, and courage. Let children fail so they can learn. Let them make mistakes so they can grow. Let them explore, imagine, build, question, and discover.

Because childhood doesn't last forever—but the foundation we help build can shape a life for eternity.

07/10/2026

As a guy, I'm probably not the best person to review a planner and prayer journal made for women. But I do know when someone has poured their heart into something that points people to Jesus.

My sister in Christ, Jennifer Camp, has created a beautiful Matthew 6:33 Planner & Prayer Journal to help women stay organized, grow in their faith, and keep their focus where it belongs—on Christ.

Guys, if you're wondering what to get your wife, mom, daughter, or another special woman in your life, here's a pretty solid idea. And ladies, if you're looking for a fresh start for the new year, I hope you'll check it out and support her.

"Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness..." — Matthew 6:33

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/simplyseekinghim/simply-seeking-him-2027-planner-and-prayer-journal

07/05/2026

My family and I spent part of Fourth of July watching Young Washington, and it was absolutely worth our time.

It was a powerful reminder that America is worth fighting for and that the freedoms we enjoy today were purchased through incredible sacrifice. Too often we take those sacrifices for granted.

The United States has the oldest written Constitution still in continuous use anywhere in the world. Through every challenge, it has provided a framework that has protected liberty and allowed generations of Americans to build, dream, worship, innovate, and prosper.

Freedom works. It isn't always easy, and it requires responsibility, but history has shown time and again that free people can accomplish what governments built on control never can.

Watching this film reminded me why I ran for the U.S. Senate and why I'd do it again if called. Not for a title, but because this nation is worth serving.

America is still the greatest nation in the world. But greatness is never guaranteed. It must be appreciated, valued, and protected by every generation.

All throughout the movie, George says things that really resonated with me. His words reminded me that leadership isn't about seeking glory...it's about serving something greater than yourself.

Now, I'm certainly not comparing myself to George Washington... but for a split second I honestly thought they were going to end the movie with him saying, "Just call me George."

Let's never take our freedom for granted. Let's honor those who sacrificed for it by preserving it for those who come after us.

06/28/2026

On the drive to church this morning, I couldn't help but smile. We passed hundreds of American flags waving in the breeze.

Not just the ones our town proudly displays, but the flags put out by local families and small businesses who still take pride in our country. These photos are just two examples from family-owned farms...the Edmund family and the Hall family.

God bless these families, our community, and the United States of America.

06/23/2026

Today is the day! Let’s make a change for SC! 🇺🇸

06/19/2026

When Ruby was born with Down syndrome, her mom, Liz, saw a need. Instead of sitting around and wishing someone else would do something, she and Ruby got to work. What began with a dream has grown into Ruby’s Rainbow, an organization that has awarded more than 1,000 scholarships and over $3.8 million in scholarship funds to help students with Down syndrome pursue higher education, greater independence, and their dreams.

Meeting Ruby and hearing her story at Clemson University Outdoor Lab was a reminder that if you see a need, don’t just complain about it or wait for someone else to step in. Get up and do something.

Thank you, Ruby and Liz, for showing us what faith, determination, and a servant’s heart can accomplish.

06/19/2026

One of the highlights of our week at Jaycee Camp Hope was getting to meet Ruby from Ruby’s Rainbow.

Ruby came by to visit and shared her Top 10 goals in life. She’s already accomplished one that many people only dream about…meeting Kelly Clarkson! She also talked about going to college, having a family, and several other dreams she has for her future. I loved hearing her talk about them with such joy and confidence.

Then, with a big smile, she announced that meeting Thomas was officially Goal #11. I have to admit, I was pretty honored to make the list!

Ruby, thank you for bringing so much joy to Jaycee Camp Hope and for reminding us all that dreams are worth pursuing. We’ll be cheering you on every step of the way.