Dr. Ernest Mackins is a kind and hardworking teacher with over 28 years of experience who believes we must prioritize the American Dream for future generations and help those in need, including our homeless population. Ernest believes we need leadership that focuses on making our public services, such as roads, education, and law enforcement, the best they can be to serve our community and that we need to address kitchen-table issues, such as affordability, universal healthcare, lowering grocery and gas prices and addressing inflation, fixing immigration, and helping everyone earn a decent income so they can prosper and care for their families. Ernest believes we need more honesty and transparency in all levels of politics, because whether we like it or not, politics now affects everything and everyone.

When it comes to prioritizing saving the American Dream for the kids he teaches, he leads by example. Dr. Mackins has dedicated himself to lifelong learning and to giving back to our community. He is continually working to learn new ways to excite and motivate the kids to achieve more. Ernest has been honored as by Garnett Media Group’s 2023 Amazing Teacher Honoree. He is most proud of helping each student develop critical thinking skills to understand the world around them and hopes that the example he sets will be the stepping stone to each of them achieving greater things.

Dr. Mackins also served in the US Army for nine years and is a member and officer of the local VFW chapter. He is a US Army veteran. He is a Senior Pastor at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Anderson.

Dr. Mackins was born in York County, South Carolina and grew up in Greenwood and Oconee Counties and has lived in South Carolina his entire life, except for his time in the military. He is also a lifelong Democrat because the party stands up for the ideals of the US Constitution and for all people.

Dr. Mackins and his wonderful wife, Erica, just celebrated their 25th wedding annniversary. They have two sons, 22 and 18. Erica and his sons have been the foundation that motivates and grounds him to excel as a leader for our communities, for South Carolina and for our Country.