Meet John Gregory Vincent

Hi, I’m John Vincent. I’m a proud husband, father, U.S. Navy veteran, small business owner, published author, and candidate for Congress in South Carolina’s 7th District.

I was born and raised in Greenlawn, New York, the son of hardworking, middle-class parents. My father, the son of Portuguese immigrants from the Azores, worked day and night—first as an educator, eventually as an assistant superintendent, and then as a maitre d’—to put me and my siblings through public school and college. That commitment to family, sacrifice, and public education is the foundation of who I am.

After high school, I took my love for the ocean (and my determination to serve) and joined the U.S. Navy. I spent 20 years in the U.S. Navy, many of those years in the dangerous undersea world of submarines, ultimately earning the rank of Command Master Chief. I led a massive, multi-branch command structure—supporting the morale, health, and development of troops across seven bases and five military branches. My job was to advocate for those who served. I took that responsibility seriously, and I carry that same warrior-advocate mentality with me today.

After retiring from the Navy, my wife Deb and I launched a small business focused on leadership development and service-based consulting. Our clients have included municipalities, fire departments, police departments, and nonprofit organizations across the country. Our work has always centered around service to others—and training those who serve. We've also co-authored two books together, including the Amazon bestseller The Submarine Way, which explores interdependent collaboration as a model for inclusion and leadership.

I’ve lived all over this state—from Florence to Charleston to Myrtle Beach—and I love the people, the food, and the ocean that’s shaped so much of my life. But I also see the struggle. This district is beautiful, but it’s hurting. With a median income 33% below the national average, more than 100,000 residents on Medicaid, and over 1 in 4 children living in poverty, we deserve leadership that sees us, hears us, and fights for us.

I’m running for Congress because I believe the American middle class is disappearing—and I’ve watched it happen my entire life. My parents were able to work hard, save money, put their kids through college, and own a home. But today, for far too many families, that American Dream is out of reach.

We need a new GI Bill to support housing, education, and workforce development. We need someone who will be a voice for working families and a fighter for those being left behind. And we need someone who doesn’t hide from the people they represent.

I’ll be that representative. If elected, I’ll hold regular town halls—especially in the reddest areas of the district. I’ll give every mayor in the 7th District a direct line to my office so they can get answers for their communities. And I’ll lead with the grit, urgency, and no-nonsense approach I’ve brought to every role I’ve ever held.

People often describe me as fun, reliable, and warm-hearted—but I also have a serious side. I believe deeply in the Constitution, not as a tool for the powerful, but as a promise to the people. And when that promise is broken, I speak up.

I’m 💯% for you. And I’m asking you to be 💯% for me.

Let’s rebuild the middle class. Let’s fight for what’s right.
And let’s win this together.