06/19/2026
What an incredible week in Washington, D.C. 🇺🇸🏛️
This past week was truly one I will never forget. I had the privilege of attending the 2026 REALTORS® Legislative Meetings in Washington, D.C., alongside an amazing group of leaders, advocates, and friends from across our industry.
The week was packed with meetings, networking, advocacy, once-in-a-lifetime opportunities, and, of course, a little fun and celebration along the way.
You may wonder, “Why do REALTORS® go to Washington?”
For me, the answer is simple: because decisions made in Washington directly impact homeowners, buyers, sellers, property owners, communities, affordability, inventory, lending, insurance, taxes, private property rights, and the future of the American Dream. 🏡
This is also why RPAC is so important to me. As a proud RPAC Major Investor, I believe advocacy is one of the most important parts of my role as a REALTOR®. RPAC is not about party politics. It is about protecting homeownership, defending private property rights, and making sure the voice of real estate is heard before laws are passed that affect the people and communities I serve every day.
This week was a powerful reminder of what advocacy looks like in action.
One of the biggest moments of the trip was seeing major progress on the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act — one of the most important housing bills in decades. This legislation is designed to help address America’s housing crisis by cutting unnecessary regulatory barriers, increasing housing supply, and expanding access to more affordable housing options, including modular and manufactured homes. 🏘️
At a time when affordability and inventory are two of the biggest challenges facing buyers and families across the country, this kind of progress matters. The House passed its version with overwhelming bipartisan support, and the Senate moved forward with strong bipartisan support as well. This is exactly why REALTOR® advocacy matters — because when we show up, we can help move the conversation forward.
While in D.C., I also had the honor of meeting with Senator Tim Scott in the Senate Building to thank him for his leadership and present him with our signature South Carolina RPAC sneakers. 👟🇺🇸
I attended an incredible presidential history discussion with Doris Kearns Goodwin, one of the most respected presidential biographers and political commentators in the country. Visited the Supreme Court, Arlington National Cemetery, the Veterans Memorial, and as many historic buildings and landmarks as possible.
I also had the chance to witness Washington, D.C. preparing for Juneteenth and the FIFA 2026 World Cup, which added even more energy to an already unforgettable week.
And yes… we made time for some fun too. 😄
I experienced the incredible energy around UFC Freedom 250, walked down the middle of Pennsylvania Avenue with the street all to ourselves, ate at some of D.C.’s most famous restaurants, tried grasshoppers, had our own personal limo driver, and spent the week surrounded by an incredibly powerful and inspiring group of people.
But more than anything, this trip reminded me that real estate is so much bigger than contracts, closings, showings, and sold signs.
It is about people.
It is about families.
It is about communities.
It is about protecting the opportunity of homeownership for future generations.
It is about the American Dream.
I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to represent our area, our profession, and the clients and homeowners I serve every day.
Washington, D.C. reminded me this week that when REALTORS® show up, our voice matters. 🇺🇸🏡💪
Thomas M. Kersey I Hilton Head Island & Bluffton Luxury Real Estate
