Meet Joe
Born in Charleston, South Carolina, Joe Bustos has dedicated his life to serving his community, his state, and his country. In 1970, after graduating from General William Moultrie High School in Mount Pleasant, Joe answered the call and enlisted in the United States Army. He moved rapidly through the ranks, earning a commission as a second lieutenant at Fort Benning, Georgia, in 1971. That same year, he married his wife, Mount Pleasant native Kathy Comar. Together they have two children: Kelly Ellsworth and Brian Bustos.
After a decorated and distinguished military career, Joe retired in 1995 at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, and he and Kathy returned home to Mount Pleasant. Driven by his commitment to public service, Joe joined the Charleston Police Department as a patrol officer before starting his own small business - Mount Pleasant Flight Training. Joe was first elected to public office on Mount Pleasant Town Council, where he served from 2000 to 2009 and again from 2015 to 2019. He served on various committees and was the Chairman of the Planning and Development and Fire Committees. Joe was elected to the South Carolina House of Representatives to represent District 112, which includes Sullivan's Island, Isle of Palms, and parts of Mount Pleasant and Awendaw.
As a decorated veteran, former police officer, and small business owner, Joe has a proven track record of fighting for fiscally responsible conservative policies at the State House. He has served as the Vice Chairman and Chairman of the Charleston Legislative Delegation and is also the Chair of the Municipal Affairs Subcommittee. Among his many accomplishments is the elimination of Constituent School Boards, resulting in a more streamlined process for the Charleston County School Board and an annual savings of over $500,000 for the taxpayers of Charleston County.
A lifetime of service
Proven Track Record. Real Solutions
Fighting for veterans and first responders
As a police officer, Rep. Bustos has seen the dedication and risk first responders take every day to protect their communities. Rep. Bustos and his partner arrested an armed robber in Charleston, for which he received a departmental citation. He also earned the J.P. Strom Award for graduating first in his class at the SC Criminal Justice Academy. He has supported tough-on-crime legislation to keep our neighborhoods safe and support our first responders.
Investing in our community
After retiring from the US Army as a Lieutenant Colonel, Rep. Bustos returned to Mount Pleasant and opened a flight training school in 2004. He understands the needs of the community and cares about preserving and protecting the Lowcountry quality of life. From Council to the State House, he has advocated for common-sense road planning to clear bureaucratic roadblocks and shorten commutes. In 2026, Rep. Bustos submitted a bill to have the public areas of our beaches designated as public parks.
Championing Local Jobs
As a small business owner, Rep. Bustos has fought for lasting tax relief for families and small businesses. He is committed to advancing legislation to reduce or eliminate the income tax in South Carolina and to reduce property taxes. In 2025, he prefilled a bill to exempt all residential property owners over the age of 70 from property tax. Rep. Bustos has supported initiatives to cut red tape and rein in state agencies to unleash the productivity of small business and keep the American dream within the reach of South Carolinians. In 2024, he was named a 'champion of business' by the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce.
Defending Our Rights
Rep. Bustos has championed parental rights and fought to defend religious liberties, the 2nd Amendment, and constitutional rights. Rep. Bustos is committed to holding government accountable and restoring merit-based opportunity to all levels of government. He is endorsed by the NRA and has been recognized by the American Legislative Exchange Council for his focus on limited government and economic freedom.
"Representative Bustos defines the true meaning of public service. From serving our country in the military and patrolling our streets as a police officer, to fighting for the Lowcountry in the State House, Joe has always placed the safety and well-being of our community above all else. Mount Pleasant needs leaders who will deliver for our community and that's Joe Bustos. I am proud to endorse him."
-Mayor Will Haynie, Mount Pleasant