Chris Des Marais

Chris Des Marais is the Libertarian candidate for South Carolina House of Representatives District 2 in the November 3, 2026 general election, facing incumbent Adam Duncan (R) and Democrat Candace Schutt.[1][2] A retired law enforcement officer who lives in Fair Play, he says he is running on less government and lower income and property taxes.[2][3]

According to Ballotpedia, Chris Des Marais graduated from Irvington High School, earned an associate degree from Westchester Community College, a bachelor's degree from the State University of New York, Purchase, and a graduate degree from Manhattanville University, and has worked as a law enforcement officer.[2]

In a Ballotpedia survey, Des Marais said he retired from law enforcement in 2006 and moved with his children to Fair Play, South Carolina, where he volunteered with Rotary, Fair-Oak Recreation, the School District of Oconee County and as a special minister at St Paul the Apostle Catholic Church.[3] He said he served two enlistments in the Provost Marshal of the South Carolina State Guard, holds a commission as an Advanced South Carolina Constable, and has earned four college degrees and several law enforcement certifications.[3] He listed his key messages as less government, lower income and property taxes, and eliminating harmful regulations on farmers, and said he supports term limits, lower auto insurance costs, ending professional and recreational licensing fees, and allowing medical use of marijuana.[3] He reported an endorsement from the South Carolina Libertarian Party.[3]

Researched from the cited sources on 2026-10-21. Not yet independently fact-checked.