Joe Cunningham represents South Carolina’s First Congressional District. The First District encompasses South Carolina’s Lowcountry, including Charleston, Mt. Pleasant, Kiawah, and Hilton Head. Joe is a proud father and husband, and is serving his first term in the United States Congress. Prior to his election, Joe was an attorney and an ocean engineer, obtaining a B.S. in Ocean Engineering from Florida Atlantic University in 2005 and his J.D. from Northern Kentucky University in 2014.

We are excited to welcome Joe to speak on our November topic, LOST.

1. What do you love most about what you do? The chance to meet and work with all different types of people, businesses, and organizations from across the district and then figuring out ways to craft legislation that makes a real impact back at home. 2. What inspired you and how did you become involved in your current career(s)? I followed the 2016 election very closely and was disappointed with the rhetoric I heard and knew that our country deserved better. I did not want to look back decades down the road and tell my children I did not stand up and fight for common decency and the best of our American values. 3. How do you start your day? In D.C., I’m up at 5:30 am and sometimes do a bit of reading or writing before hitting the gym at 6:30 am where I work out with other members of Congress. I’ve learned it is one of the best ways to get to know folks on the other side of the aisle! At home, I get up at the same time and try to do some writing, but Boone has other plans for me most mornings. 4. Tell us about your proudest moment or accomplishment. Fulfilling the promises I’ve made to people back home. Two big moments come to mind so far – the first being passing our bill to ban offshore drilling. I’m really proud of the amount of Republican support we had for this, back home and in Congress. Arguing the bill on the House floor, in front of the entire House of Representatives was like nothing else I have ever felt. It was like I was taking the voice of folks in the Lowcountry and spilling it right onto the House floor. Also helping pass H.R. 1112, our bipartisan bill that would close the Charleston loophole. I don’t think I’ll ever forget the feeling of standing on the House floor while the votes clicked up to 218, the number you need for a piece of legislation to pass. I looked up and saw Jennifer Pinckney, widow of the late Clementa, who was murdered at Mother Emanuel by a racist who procured his gun through the Charleston loophole. That was a very proud day for me. Do you have a hidden talent? I can mow down half a pack of Double stuff oreos in one sitting. 5. Who or what gives you creative inspiration? I feel it comes in spurts, but I have to get it in the morning. So short answer, caffeine. 6. Coffee fuels our morning events. If you’re a coffee drinker, what’s your go-to order? Pike with splash of half and half. 7. What is your favorite place in Charleston? Kudu coffee. 9. How do you unwind or de-stress? Usually through reading. I do not have much time anymore for recreational reading so I’m always excited to dig into a new book but that is often limited to when I’m on a plane or when Boone is sleeping.
Rapid Fire: morning person or night owl? Morning.
Summer of winter? Summer
Mountains or beach? Beach but I do go back and forth.
Pancakes or waffles? Pancakes
Fiction or non-fiction? Non-fiction