Featured
U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy MLK Video (2020)
Jason was featured in an MLK Day video while assigned as a student at the U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy.
Meet Jason
A lifetime of service.
A future built for District 83.
Army veteran. Husband. Father. Neighbor. Candidate.
Jason Payne is a proud husband and father, a devoted man of faith, an Army veteran, and a lifelong learner whose life has been shaped by family, service, and a commitment to helping others. A native of New Orleans, Jason spent more than two decades serving under the American flag in the United States Army, leading with integrity, discipline, and an unwavering dedication to those around him. His journey has taken him across the nation and around the world, but in 2018, he and his family chose North Augusta as the place to put down roots and call home.
Inspired by the values that strengthen communities and bring people together, Jason believes that informed and engaged citizens are the foundation of a prosperous democratic republic. After years of serving our nation, he is once again stepping forward—this time to serve the people of South Carolina House District 83. Grateful for the safe, welcoming, and close-knit community that embraced his family, Jason is committed to giving back through servant leadership, practical solutions, and a dedication to preserving the values that matter most to the people he serves.
Service is woven into the fabric of Jason’s life. He and his wife met while serving on active duty in the U.S. Army, building a family grounded in love, commitment, and sacrifice. His family’s legacy of military service spans nearly every branch of the armed forces, reflecting a deep appreciation for the freedoms and opportunities afforded to all Americans. That legacy instilled in him the values of duty, personal responsibility, perseverance, and putting others before self—principles that continue to guide his leadership today.
For Jason Payne, public service is not a new chapter; it is a continuation of a lifelong commitment to serving others. Strengthened by family, inspired by a love for community and country, and guided by his faith and a belief in responsible leadership, Jason is ready to serve District 83 with honor, humility, and a steadfast commitment to the people he hopes to represent.
Service & Leadership
U.S. Army, Military Intelligence
Nearly 22 years of service with two tours to Afghanistan and one tour to Guantanamo Bay.
Drill Sergeant & Soldier Leader
Trained basic trainees as a drill sergeant at Fort Sill, OK, then led formations and recognized soldiers at Fort Gordon, GA.
North Augusta Public Safety Foundation
Former Chairman (Oct 2023–May 2025) and continuing volunteer, supporting local police, fire, and animal control services.
Child Advocacy Center of Aiken
Volunteer Parent Project Instructor (April 2022–January 2024), helping families build stronger homes.
Local Government Internship
City of Louisville, GA — focused on affordable housing initiatives at the community level.
Husband, Father, Neighbor
Raising three children with his wife. The Paynes have called North Augusta home since 2018.
Education
- A.A.Criminal Justice
- B.S.Criminal Justice
- M.S.International Relations
- M.P.A.Public Administration
- Ph.D.Business Analytics & Data Science (in progress)
From a life of service
Moments from more than two decades in uniform and on the home front — with soldiers, with neighbors, and with family. Browse by album, and tap any photo to enlarge it.
The Payne family — Augusta, GA (2023) 
Jason, Ellie, and daughter Solana — North Augusta, SC (2018) 
Jason and Ellie at a military ball at Fort Hood, TX, shortly after his return from Guantanamo Bay (2016–17) 
Serving as a range safety officer for fellow soldiers and their families — Copperas Cove, TX (2014) 
Range safety officer — Copperas Cove, TX (2014) 
Range safety officer — Copperas Cove, TX (2014) 
With basic trainees — Fort Sill, OK (2010) 
Leading a formation of soldiers as a drill sergeant — Fort Sill, OK (2011) 
Recognizing soldiers for outstanding performance — Fort Gordon, GA (2019) 
Recognizing soldiers for outstanding performance — Fort Gordon, GA (2019) 
Make-A-Wish Foundation visit — San Angelo, TX (2008) 
With fellow soldiers at a Make-A-Wish Foundation visit — San Angelo, TX (2008) 
Volunteering at Fort Gordon’s Christmas House (December 2018) 
With fellow volunteers after serving Thanksgiving meals at the Augusta Rescue Mission (November 2018) 
Thanksgiving meals at the Augusta Rescue Mission (November 2018) 
Guest speaker at a Veterans Day observance — Louisville, GA (2021) 
“World War II veterans are real-world superheroes.” — Fort Buchanan, Puerto Rico (April 2016) 
With a World War II veteran — New Orleans, LA (May 2016) 
With a World War II veteran — North Augusta, SC (2019) 
North Augusta Public Safety Foundation — North Augusta, SC (2024) 
Introduction ceremony for new North Augusta Department of Public Safety K-9 officers (2026)
Jason Payne is a former member of the U.S. Army. Use of his military rank, job titles, and photographs in uniform does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Army, the Department of Defense or any branch of the U.S. government.
Recognition
Public Service
North Augusta Public Safety Foundation
Former Chairman and continuing volunteer — supporting local police, fire, and animal control services.
2023–presentVolunteer Service
Child Advocacy Center of Aiken
Volunteer Parent Project Instructor (2022–2024), strengthening families across the CSRA.
2022–2024What he stands for
The values Jason will bring to Columbia.
Practical. Principled. Always people first.
Respect for All Citizens
Respect for the values and beliefs of fellow citizens — even when we disagree. Good representation starts with listening.
Equality & Rights
Advocacy for the rights and equality of women and the LGBTQ community, because freedom is for everyone.
Support for Those Who Serve
Standing with military service members, law enforcement, healthcare providers, teachers, and social workers.
Practical Problem-Solving
People-first solutions that put real outcomes for District 83 ahead of partisan noise.