Meeting Joe Cunningham | U.S. Representative for South Carolina’s 1st Congressional District

Joe Cunningham proudly 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.

Joe currently serves on the House Natural Resources Committee and the House Veterans' Affairs Committee. The Committee on Natural Resources oversees federal conservation programs, establishes renewable energy sources, and critically to the Lowcountry, monitors offshore oil and gas development. The Lowcountry's vibrant natural resources are vital to its economy and way of life, and Joe is proud to use his seat at the table to work to protect them. South Carolina's First Congressional District has the highest amount of veterans in the state of South Carolina. Joe is honored to serve on the House Veterans' Affairs Committee and ensure Lowcountry veterans and their families receive the best and most reliable care, services, and benefits. 

Prior to his election to Congress, Joe was an attorney and an ocean engineer. In Congress, Joe’s priorities include reinstating the ban on offshore drilling off the Atlantic coast, infrastructure investment, protecting and creating Lowcountry jobs, combating climate change and lowering the cost of health care and prescription drugs. As a former ocean engineer, Joe knows firsthand how destructive drilling for oil can be to a coastline and is committed to protecting South Carolina’s coastline and economy from offshore drilling. Joe has spent his life working with others to get things done and is committed to breaking through the political tribalism facing Washington.

Joe attended the College of Charleston, obtained his B.S. in Ocean Engineering from Florida Atlantic University in 2005,  and his J.D. from Northern Kentucky University in 2014. He currently lives on James Island with his wife, Amanda, their son, Boone, and their dog, Teddy.