David Robinson’s life took a dramatic turn after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, prompting him to sell his trucking business and join the Army, where he served two tours in Afghanistan. Upon retiring from the military, he opened a new business in his hometown of Columbia, South Carolina. However, his life was upended once again when his geologist son went missing without a trace from a well site in Arizona. This led him on a journey to the Sonoran Desert in search of answers, ultimately inspiring him to run for Congress with a focus on missing persons across the country.
Robinson’s experience in the military and personal struggles with his son’s disappearance have shaped his mission to advocate for missing Americans. He highlighted flaws in the way missing person cases are investigated, particularly in regards to obtaining phone records from telecommunications companies. Robinson proposed legislation that would make data more readily available to those paying phone bills or law enforcement, with certain exceptions. He also addressed shortcomings in data retention policies that could lead to crucial information being lost if warrants are not obtained in time.
The disappearance of Robinson’s son, a geologist working for an energy company in Arizona, remains unsolved despite extensive investigations by the police. His abandoned vehicle was found with front-end damage and other signs of a crash, but there was no evidence of foul play or that he had planned a trip. Robinson continues to push for answers about his son’s disappearance, working closely with law enforcement agencies and advocating for legislative changes to improve missing persons cases. His campaign for Congress encompasses a range of traditional issues as well, including education, healthcare, and climate change.
Robinson faces challenges in his campaign for Congress, running as a Democrat in a district that has consistently elected a Republican representative since 1965. His opponent, Rep. Joe Wilson, is also a military veteran and has held the congressional seat since 2001. The upcoming primary elections will test Robinson’s ability to connect with voters and advocate for the issues that matter to him, including the plight of missing persons and the need for reform in how such cases are handled. Despite the uphill battle, Robinson remains committed to making a difference and bringing attention to the challenges faced by families of missing Americans.
Overall, David Robinson’s journey from military service to business ownership and advocacy for missing persons reflects a deep commitment to serving his country and seeking justice for those who have disappeared. His personal experiences with his son’s disappearance have fueled his passion for legislative change and improved investigative practices, highlighting the need for greater support for families facing similar challenges. Through his campaign for Congress, Robinson aims to address a wide range of issues affecting his district and the nation, drawing on his unique background and dedication to making a difference in the lives of others.
