South Carolina Senate
Encyclopedia
The South Carolina Senate is the upper house of the South Carolina General Assembly
, the lower house being the South Carolina House of Representatives
. It consists of 46 senators elected from single member districts for four-year terms at the same time as United States Presidential elections
.
The South Carolina Constitution of 1895 provided for each county to elect one senator for a four-year term. The election of senators was staggered so that half of the state Senate was elected every two years. After the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 1964 for the case Reynolds v. Sims
, the state Senate was reapportioned in 1966 as a temporary measure into 27 districts with 50 members for two-year terms. In 1967, the state Senate was again reapportioned, this time into 20 districts with 46 members for four-year terms. The number of districts was reduced to 16 in 1972 and in 1984, they were eliminated with the creation of single member districts.
(a) The election of a Democrat from Abbeville was declared void and the seat remained vacant.
(b) All 7 were members of the Conservative Party of South Carolina
.
(c) After the 2000 elections, the Senate was evenly split between 23 Democrats and 23 Republicans. A Democrat, J. Verne Smith of Greer
, switched to the Republicans to break the tie.
(d) Republicans gained an additional seat in a 2007 special election. The current party makeup is 27 Republicans and 19 Democrats.
South Carolina General Assembly
The South Carolina General Assembly, also called the South Carolina Legislature, is the state legislature of the U.S. state of South Carolina. The legislature is bicameral and consists of the lower South Carolina House of Representatives and the upper South Carolina Senate. Altogether, the General...
, the lower house being the South Carolina House of Representatives
South Carolina House of Representatives
The South Carolina House of Representatives is the lower house of the South Carolina General Assembly, the upper house being the South Carolina Senate. It consists of 124 Representatives elected to two year terms at the same time as US Congressional elections...
. It consists of 46 senators elected from single member districts for four-year terms at the same time as United States Presidential elections
United States presidential election
Elections for President and Vice President of the United States are indirect elections in which voters cast ballots for a slate of electors of the U.S. Electoral College, who in turn directly elect the President and Vice President...
.
The South Carolina Constitution of 1895 provided for each county to elect one senator for a four-year term. The election of senators was staggered so that half of the state Senate was elected every two years. After the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 1964 for the case Reynolds v. Sims
Reynolds v. Sims
Reynolds v. Sims, 377 U.S. 533 was a United States Supreme Court case that ruled that state legislature districts had to be roughly equal in population.-Facts:...
, the state Senate was reapportioned in 1966 as a temporary measure into 27 districts with 50 members for two-year terms. In 1967, the state Senate was again reapportioned, this time into 20 districts with 46 members for four-year terms. The number of districts was reduced to 16 in 1972 and in 1984, they were eliminated with the creation of single member districts.
Composition
| Affiliation | Party | Total | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican South Carolina Republican Party The South Carolina Republican Party and the South Carolina Democratic Party are the two major political parties within the U.S. state of South Carolina... |
Democratic South Carolina Democratic Party The South Carolina Democratic Party is the South Carolina affiliate of the United States Democratic Party. The Democratic party thrived during the Second Party System between 1832 and the mid-1850s and was one of the causes of the collapse of the Whig Party.... |
Vacant | ||
| 2005-2008 Legislature | 27 | 19 | 46 | 0 |
| 2009-2012 Legislature | 27 | 19 | 46 | 0 |
| Latest voting share | 58.7% | 41.3% | ||
Leadership
Members of the South Carolina Senate in 2008
Except as noted, all Senators were elected in November 2008. All terms expire in November 2012.| District | Representative | Party | Residence |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Thomas C. Alexander Thomas C. Alexander (politician) Thomas C. Alexander is a Republican member of the South Carolina Senate, representing the 1st District since 1994. He switched from the Democratic Party to the Republican Party in 1996. He previously served in the House from 1987 through 1994.... |
Republican | Walhalla Walhalla, South Carolina Walhalla is a mountain city in Oconee County, South Carolina, United States. It is located from Clemson University in Clemson, South Carolina and is also located in the Appalachian Mountains of South Carolina. The population was 3,801 at the 2000 census. It is the county seat of Oconee County... |
| 2 | Larry A. Martin Larry A. Martin Larry A. Martin is a Republican member of the South Carolina Senate, representing the 2nd District since 1992. He previously served in the House from 1979 through 1992.-External links:* official SC Senate website* profile... |
Republican | Pickens Pickens, South Carolina Pickens, formerly called Pickens Courthouse, is a city in Pickens County, South Carolina, United States. The population was 3,012 at the 2000 census, at which time it was listed as a town; the change to a city was made in 1998, but not reported to the Census Bureau until 2001. It is the county seat... |
| 3 | Kevin L. Bryant Kevin L. Bryant Kevin L. Bryant is a Republican member of the South Carolina Senate, representing the 3rd District since 2004. His opponent in 2008 was Democratic nominee Marshall Meadors.... |
Republican | Anderson Anderson, South Carolina Anderson is a city in and the county seat of Anderson County, South Carolina, United States. The population was estimated at 26,242 in 2006, and the city was the center of an urbanized area of 70,530... |
| 4 | William H. O'Dell William H. O'Dell William Hamilton 'Billy' O'Dell is a Republican member of the South Carolina Senate, representing the 4th District since 1988. His opponent in 2008 is Democratic nominee Leonardo Ortiz.-External links:* official SC Senate website* profile... |
Republican | Ware Shoals Ware Shoals, South Carolina Ware Shoals is a town in Abbeville, Greenwood, and Laurens counties in the U.S. state of South Carolina, along the Saluda River. The population was 2,363 at the 2000 census.... |
| 5 | Phillip W. Shoopman | Republican | Greer Greer, South Carolina Greer is a city in Greenville and Spartanburg counties in the U.S. state of South Carolina, between the cities of Greenville and Spartanburg. The population was 25,515 at the 2010 census. It is projected to hit 30,000 within 4 years. Each day, more than three times that number of people pass... |
| 6 | Michael L. Fair Michael L. Fair Michael L. Fair is a Republican member of the South Carolina Senate, representing the 6th District since 1996. He previously served in the House from 1985 through 1995.-External links:* official SC Senate website* profile... |
Republican | Greenville Greenville, South Carolina -Law and government:The city of Greenville adopted the Council-Manager form of municipal government in 1976.-History:The area was part of the Cherokee Nation's protected grounds after the Treaty of 1763, which ended the French and Indian War. No White man was allowed to enter, though some families... |
| 7 | Ralph Anderson Ralph Anderson (politician) Ralph Anderson is a Democratic member of the South Carolina Senate, representing the 7th District since 1996. His opponent in 2008 is Republican nominee Roan Garcia-Quintana.... |
Democratic | Greenville Greenville, South Carolina -Law and government:The city of Greenville adopted the Council-Manager form of municipal government in 1976.-History:The area was part of the Cherokee Nation's protected grounds after the Treaty of 1763, which ended the French and Indian War. No White man was allowed to enter, though some families... |
| 8 | David L. Thomas David L. Thomas David Lloyd Thomas is a Republican member of the South Carolina Senate, representing the 8th District since 1984. His district includes part of Greenville. He is also a partner at the firm Moore, Taylor & Thomas, P.A... |
Republican | Greenville Greenville, South Carolina -Law and government:The city of Greenville adopted the Council-Manager form of municipal government in 1976.-History:The area was part of the Cherokee Nation's protected grounds after the Treaty of 1763, which ended the French and Indian War. No White man was allowed to enter, though some families... |
| 9 | Daniel B. Verdin III Daniel B. Verdin III Daniel B. Verdin III is a Republican member of the South Carolina Senate, representing the 9th District since 2000.-External links:* official SC Senate website* profile*Follow the Money - Danny Verdin** campaign contributions... |
Republican | Laurens Laurens, South Carolina Laurens is a city in Laurens County, South Carolina, United States. The population was 9,916 at the 2000 census. It is the county seat of Laurens County.-History:... |
| 10 | Floyd Nicholson | Democratic | Greenwood Greenwood, South Carolina Greenwood is a city in and the county seat of Greenwood County, South Carolina, United States. The population was 22,071 at the 2000 census and had slightly increased to 22,710 according to a 2009 estimate.-Geography:... |
| 11 | Glenn G. Reese Glenn G. Reese Glenn G. Reese is a Democratic member of the South Carolina Senate, representing the 11th District since 1990.-External links:* official SC Senate website* profile*Follow the Money - Glenn G. Reese** campaign contributions... |
Democratic | Inman Inman, South Carolina Inman is a city in Spartanburg County, South Carolina, United States. The population was 2,321 at the 2010 census.Inman is a small community located in the Upstate region of South Carolina... |
| 12 | Lee Bright | Republican | Spartanburg Spartanburg, South Carolina thgSpartanburg is the largest city in and the county seat of Spartanburg County, South Carolina, United States. It is the second-largest city of the three primary cities in the Upstate region of South Carolina, and is located northwest of Columbia, west of Charlotte, and about northeast of... |
| 13 | Shane Martin | Republican | Spartanburg Spartanburg, South Carolina thgSpartanburg is the largest city in and the county seat of Spartanburg County, South Carolina, United States. It is the second-largest city of the three primary cities in the Upstate region of South Carolina, and is located northwest of Columbia, west of Charlotte, and about northeast of... |
| 14 | Harvey S. Peeler, Jr. Harvey S. Peeler, Jr. Harvey S. Peeler, Jr. is a Republican member of the South Carolina Senate, representing the 14th District since 1980. He is the brother of former South Carolina Lieutenant Governor Bob Peeler.-External links:* official SC Senate website* profile... |
Republican | Gaffney Gaffney, South Carolina Gaffney is a city in and the county seat of Cherokee County, South Carolina, United States, in the upstate region of South Carolina. Gaffney is also sometimes referred to as the Peach capital of South Carolina. The population was 12,414 at the 2010 census... |
| 15 | Robert W. Hayes, Jr. Robert W. Hayes, Jr. Robert W. Hayes, Jr. is a Republican member of the South Carolina Senate, representing the 15th District since 2000. Previously was a member of the South Carolina House of Representatives from 1985 through 1991.-External links:... |
Republican | Rock Hill Rock Hill, South Carolina Rock Hill is the largest city in York County, South Carolina and the fourth-largest city in the state. It is also the third-largest city of the Charlotte metropolitan area, behind Charlotte and Concord, North Carolina. The population was 71,459 as of . Rock Hill has undergone rapid growth between... |
| 16 | Greg Gregory | Republican | Indian Land Indian Land, South Carolina Indian Land is a fast-growing suburb in the northern neck of Lancaster County, South Carolina, United States. It lies just south of Ballantyne in southern Charlotte and east of Fort Mill. It is a major suburb of both Rock Hill and Charlotte. Its proximity to Ballantyne has enabled Indian Land to... |
| 17 | Creighton B. Coleman | Democratic | Winnsboro Winnsboro, South Carolina Winnsboro is a town in Fairfield County, South Carolina, United States. The population was 3,599 at the 2000 census. It is the county seat of Fairfield County. Winnsboro is part of the Columbia, South Carolina Metropolitan Statistical Area.... |
| 18 | Ronnie W. Cromer Ronnie W. Cromer Ronnie W. Cromer is a Republican member of the South Carolina Senate, representing the 18th District since 2003.-External links:* official SC Senate website* profile*Follow the Money - Ronnie W. Cromer** campaign contributions... |
Republican | Prosperity Prosperity, South Carolina Prosperity is a town in Newberry County, South Carolina, United States. The population was 1,047 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Prosperity is located at .... |
| 19 | John L. Scott, Jr. John L. Scott, Jr. - External links :* http://www.scstatehouse.net/members/bios/1640908894.html* http://www.scstatehouse.net/sess112_1997-1998/bills/5182.htm* http://www.votesmart.org/issue_rating_category.php?can_id=8946... |
Democratic | Columbia Columbia, South Carolina Columbia is the state capital and largest city in the U.S. state of South Carolina. The population was 129,272 according to the 2010 census. Columbia is the county seat of Richland County, but a portion of the city extends into neighboring Lexington County. The city is the center of a metropolitan... |
| 20 | John E. Courson John E. Courson John E. Courson is a Republican member of the South Carolina Senate, representing the 20th District since 1985.-External links:* official SC Senate website* profile*Follow the Money - John E. Courson** campaign contributions... |
Republican | Richland County Richland County, South Carolina Richland County is a county located in the U.S. state of South Carolina. The 2000 U.S. census recorded its population to be 320,677. In 2010, the U.S. Census Bureau recorded that its population had reached 384,504. It is the second most populous county in South Carolina, behind only Greenville... |
| 21 | Darrell Jackson Darrell Jackson (politician) Darrell Jackson is a Democratic member of the South Carolina Senate, representing the 21st District since 1992.-External links:* official SC Senate website* profile*Follow the Money - Darrell Jackson** campaign contributions... |
Democratic | Hopkins Hopkins, South Carolina Hopkins is an unincorporated community in Richland County, South Carolina, United States that was founded in circa 1836 named after John Hopkins... |
| 22 | Joel Lourie Joel Lourie Joel Lourie is a Democratic member of the South Carolina Senate, representing the 22nd District since 2004. He was previously a member of the South Carolina House of Representatives from 1998 through 2004.... |
Democratic | Columbia Columbia, South Carolina Columbia is the state capital and largest city in the U.S. state of South Carolina. The population was 129,272 according to the 2010 census. Columbia is the county seat of Richland County, but a portion of the city extends into neighboring Lexington County. The city is the center of a metropolitan... |
| 23 | John M. "Jake" Knotts, Jr | Republican | West Columbia West Columbia, South Carolina West Columbia is a city in Lexington County, South Carolina, United States. The population was 13,064 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Columbia, South Carolina Metropolitan Statistical Area.... |
| 24 | W. Greg Ryberg W. Greg Ryberg W. Greg Ryberg is a Republican member of the South Carolina Senate, representing the 24th District since 1992.-External links:* official SC Senate website* profile*Follow the Money - W. Greg Ryberg** Senate campaign contributions... |
Republican | Aiken Aiken, South Carolina Aiken is a city in and the county seat of Aiken County, South Carolina, United States. With Augusta, Georgia, it is one of the two largest cities of the Central Savannah River Area. It is part of the Augusta-Richmond County Metropolitan Statistical Area. Aiken is home to the University of South... |
| 25 | A. Shane Massey A. Shane Massey A. Shane Massey is a Republican member of the South Carolina Senate, representing the 25th District since 2007.On March 20, 2009, Massey announced that he will be a Republican candidate for the US House of Representatives South Carolina's 3rd congressional district.-External links:***-References:... |
Republican | Edgefield Edgefield, South Carolina Edgefield is a town in Edgefield County, South Carolina, United States. The population was 4,449 at the 2000 census. It is the county seat of Edgefield County.Edgefield is part of the Augusta, Georgia metropolitan area.-Geography:... |
| 26 | Nikki G. Setzler Nikki G. Setzler Nikki G. Setzler is a Democratic member of the South Carolina Senate, representing the 26th District since 1976.-External links:* * official SC Senate website* profile*Follow the Money - Nikki G. Setzler** campaign contributions... |
Democratic | West Columbia West Columbia, South Carolina West Columbia is a city in Lexington County, South Carolina, United States. The population was 13,064 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Columbia, South Carolina Metropolitan Statistical Area.... |
| 27 | Vincent A. Sheheen Vincent A. Sheheen Vincent Austin Sheheen is a Democratic member of the South Carolina Senate. Since 2004, he has represented the 27th District, comprising Chesterfield, Kershaw, and Lancaster counties. He was previously a member of the South Carolina House of Representatives from 2000 through 2004... |
Democratic | Camden Camden, South Carolina Camden is the fourth oldest city in the U.S. state of South Carolina and is also the county seat of Kershaw County, South Carolina, United States. The population was an estimated 7,103 in 2009... |
| 28 | Dick Elliott Dick Elliott (politician) Dick Elliott is a Democratic member of the South Carolina Senate, representing the 28th District since 1992. He was previously a member of the South Carolina House of Representatives from 1982 through 1992.-External links:* official SC Senate website... |
Democratic | North Myrtle Beach North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina North Myrtle Beach is a coastal resort city in Horry County, South Carolina, United States. It was created in 1968 from four existing municipalities north of Myrtle Beach, and serves as one of the primary tourist towns along the Grand Strand... |
| 29 | Gerald Malloy Gerald Malloy Gerald Malloy is a Democratic member of the South Carolina Senate, representing the 29th District since 2002.-External links:* official SC Senate website* profile*Follow the Money - Gerald Malloy** campaign contributions... |
Democratic | Hartsville Hartsville, South Carolina Hartsville is a small city in Darlington County, South Carolina, United States. The population was 7,764 at the 2010 census.-Geography:Hartsville is located at .... |
| 30 | Kent M. Williams Kent M. Williams Kent M. Williams is a Democratic member of the South Carolina Senate, representing the 30th District since 2004.-External links:* official SC Senate website* profile*Follow the Money - Kent M. Williams** campaign contributions... |
Democratic | Marion Marion, South Carolina Marion is a city in Marion County, South Carolina, United States. The population was 7,042 at the 2000 census. It is the county seat of Marion County... |
| 31 | Hugh K. Leatherman, Sr. Hugh K. Leatherman, Sr. Hugh K. Leatherman, Sr. is a Republican member of the South Carolina Senate, representing the 31st District since 1981. The 31st District is anchored in Florence, South Carolina. As Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, Leatherman also sits on the state's powerful Budget and Control... |
Republican | Florence Florence, South Carolina -Municipal government and politics:The City of Florence has a council-manager form of government. The mayor and city council are elected every four years, with no term limits... |
| 32 | J. Yancey McGill J. Yancey McGill J. Yancey McGill is a Democratic member of the South Carolina Senate, representing the 32nd District since 1988.-External links:* 2008 Campaign Website* official SC Senate website* profile*Follow the Money - J. Yancey McGill... |
Democratic | Kingstree Kingstree, South Carolina Kingstree is a town in and the county seat of Williamsburg County, South Carolina, United States. The population was 3,328 at the 2010 census.-History:... |
| 33 | Luke A. Rankin Luke A. Rankin Luke A. Rankin is a Republican member of the South Carolina Senate, representing the 33rd District since 1992.-External links:* official SC Senate website* profile*Follow the Money - Luke A. Rankin** campaign contributions... |
Republican | Myrtle Beach Myrtle Beach, South Carolina Myrtle Beach is a coastal city on the east coast of the United States in Horry County, South Carolina. It is situated on the center of a large and continuous stretch of beach known as the Grand Strand in northeastern South Carolina. It is considered to be a major tourist destination in the... |
| 34 | Raymond E. Cleary III Raymond E. Cleary III Raymond E. Cleary III is a Republican member of the South Carolina Senate, representing the 34th District since 2004.-External links:* official SC Senate website* profile*Follow the Money - Raymond E Cleary III** campaign contributions... |
Republican | Murrells Inlet Murrells Inlet, South Carolina Murrells Inlet is a small fishing village in Horry County, South Carolina, United States that is considered to be the "Seafood Capital of South Carolina". The population was 5,519 at the 2000 census. It was once primarily a fishing village, but has grown substantially in modern time, along with the... |
| 35 | Phil P. Leventis Phil P. Leventis Phil P. Leventis is a Democratic member of the South Carolina Senate, representing the 35th District since 1980. He is now in his 8th term as State Senator, making him 4th in seniority at the Statehouse.... |
Democratic | Sumter Sumter, South Carolina -Demographics:, there were 59,180 people, 34,717 households, and 4,049 families living in the city. The population density was 4,469.5 people per square mile . There were 416,032 housing units at an average density of 603.0 per square mile... |
| 36 | John C. Land III John C. Land III John C. Land III is a Democratic member of the South Carolina Senate, representing the 36th District since 1976. Previously he was a member of the South Carolina House of Representatives from 1975 through 1976.... |
Democratic | Manning Manning, South Carolina Manning is a city in South Carolina and the county seat of Clarendon County in the Southeastern United States, located in the center of the county, just to the east of Interstate 95 and at the intersection of U.S. 301 and U.S. 521. The population was estimated to be 3,943 as of 2008, down 2% from... |
| 37 | Lawrence K. Grooms Lawrence K. Grooms Lawrence K. "Larry" Grooms is a South Carolina businessman and politician. Since 1997, Grooms has served as a Republican member of the South Carolina Senate, representing the 37th District.-Personal life:... |
Republican | Bonneau Bonneau, South Carolina Bonneau is a town in Berkeley County, South Carolina, United States. The population was 354 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Charleston–North Charleston–Summerville Metropolitan Statistical Area.-Geography:... |
| 38 | Mike Rose Mike Rose For the other baseball player with a similar name, see Mike Rouse.Michael John-Ferrero Rose is a Major League Baseball catcher, who is currently a free agent.... |
Republican | Summerville Summerville, South Carolina Summerville is a town in the U.S. state of South Carolina situated mostly in Dorchester County with small portions in Berkeley, and Charleston counties. It is part of the Charleston-North Charleston-Summerville Metropolitan Statistical Area as designated for statistical purposes by the U.S. Office... |
| 39 | John W. Matthews, Jr. John W. Matthews, Jr. John W. Matthews, Jr. is a Democratic member of the South Carolina Senate, representing the 39th District since 1996.-External links:* official SC Senate website* profile*Follow the Money - John W. Matthews, Jr.** campaign contributions... |
Democratic | Bowman Bowman, South Carolina Bowman is a town in Orangeburg County, South Carolina, United States. The population was 1,198 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Bowman is located at .According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of , all of it land.-History:... |
| 40 | C. Bradley Hutto C. Bradley Hutto C. Bradley Hutto is a Democratic member of the South Carolina Senate, representing the 40th District since 1996. He is also well known for contributions to the Boy Scouts of America.-External links:* official SC Senate website* profile... |
Democratic | Orangeburg Orangeburg, South Carolina Orangeburg, also known as "The Garden City," is the principal city in and the county seat of Orangeburg County, South Carolina, United States. The city is also the fifth oldest city in the state of South Carolina. The city population was 12,765 at the 2000 census, within a Greater Orangeburg... |
| 41 | Glenn F. McConnell Glenn F. McConnell Glenn F. McConnell is a Republican member of the South Carolina Senate, representing the 41st District since 1980 and currently serving as President Pro Tempore.... |
Republican | Charleston Charleston, South Carolina Charleston is the second largest city in the U.S. state of South Carolina. It was made the county seat of Charleston County in 1901 when Charleston County was founded. The city's original name was Charles Towne in 1670, and it moved to its present location from a location on the west bank of the... |
| 42 | Robert Ford Robert Ford (politician) Robert Ford is an American politician who served as a Democratic member of the South Carolina Senate since 1993, representing District 42, which is located in Charleston... |
Democratic | Charleston Charleston, South Carolina Charleston is the second largest city in the U.S. state of South Carolina. It was made the county seat of Charleston County in 1901 when Charleston County was founded. The city's original name was Charles Towne in 1670, and it moved to its present location from a location on the west bank of the... |
| 43 | George E. Campsen III George E. Campsen III George E. Campsen III is a Republican member of the South Carolina Senate, representing the 43rd District since 2004. Previously he was a member of the South Carolina House of Representatives from 1996 through 2002.-External links:... |
Republican | Isle of Palms Isle of Palms, South Carolina Isle of Palms is a city in Charleston County, South Carolina, United States. As of the 2010 census, the population on the island was 4,133. Isle of Palms is a barrier island on the South Carolina coast. As defined by the U.S. Office of Management and Budget, and used by the U.S... |
| 44 | Paul G. Campbell, Jr. Paul G. Campbell, Jr. Paul G. Campbell, Jr. is a Republican member of the South Carolina Senate, representing the 44th District since 2007.-External links:* official SC Senate website* profile*Follow the Money - Paul G. Campbell, Jr.... |
Republican | Goose Creek Goose Creek, South Carolina Goose Creek is a city in Berkeley county in the U.S. state of South Carolina. The population was 35,938 at the 2010 census. Most of the Naval Weapons Station Charleston is in Goose Creek. As defined by the U.S. Office of Management and Budget, and used by the U.S... |
| 45 | Clementa C. Pinckney Clementa C. Pinckney Clementa C. Pinckney is a Democratic member of the South Carolina Senate, representing the 45th District since 2000. He was previously a member of the South Carolina House of Representatives from 1997 through 2000.-External links:... |
Democratic | Ridgeland Ridgeland, South Carolina Ridgeland is a town in Jasper County, South Carolina, United States. The population was 2,518 at the 2000 census. It has been the county seat of Jasper County since its formation in 1912, prior to which it was in Beaufort County. As defined by the U.S... |
| 46 | Tom Davis | Republican | Beaufort Beaufort, South Carolina Beaufort is a city in and the county seat of Beaufort County, South Carolina, United States. Chartered in 1711, it is the second-oldest city in South Carolina, behind Charleston. The city's population was 12,361 in the 2010 census. It is located in the Hilton Head Island-Beaufort Micropolitan... |
Past Make-up of the Senate
| Year | Democratic Party Democratic Party (United States) The Democratic Party is one of two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Republican Party. The party's socially liberal and progressive platform is largely considered center-left in the U.S. political spectrum. The party has the lengthiest record of continuous... |
Republican Party Republican Party (United States) The Republican Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Democratic Party. Founded by anti-slavery expansion activists in 1854, it is often called the GOP . The party's platform generally reflects American conservatism in the U.S... |
Independent / Other |
Majority |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1865 | 0 | 0 | 31 | 31 |
| 1868 | 6(a) | 25 | 0 | 19 |
| 1870 | 5 | 26 | 1 | 22 |
| 1872 | 5 | 28 | 0 | 23 |
| 1874 | 0 | 26 | 7(b) | 19 |
| 1876 | 15 | 18 | 0 | 3 |
| 1878 | 31 | 3 | 0 | 28 |
| 1880 | 32 | 2 | 0 | 30 |
| 1902- 1906 |
41 | 0 | 0 | 41 |
| 1908 | 42 | 0 | 0 | 42 |
| 1910 | 43 | 0 | 0 | 43 |
| 1912- 1914 |
44 | 0 | 0 | 44 |
| 1916- 1918 |
45 | 0 | 0 | 45 |
| 1920- 1964 |
46 | 0 | 0 | 46 |
| 1966 | 43 | 6 | 1 | 37 |
| 1968 | 43 | 3 | 0 | 40 |
| 1972 | 43 | 3 | 0 | 40 |
| 1976 | 43 | 3 | 0 | 40 |
| 1980 | 39 | 5 | 0 | 34 |
| 1984 | 36 | 10 | 0 | 26 |
| 1988 | 35 | 11 | 0 | 24 |
| 1992 | 30 | 16 | 0 | 14 |
| 1996 | 25 | 21 | 0 | 4 |
| 2000 | 22(c) | 24(c) | 0 | 2 |
| 2004 | 20 | 26(d) | 0 | 6 |
| 2008 | 19 | 27 | 0 | 8 |
(a) The election of a Democrat from Abbeville was declared void and the seat remained vacant.
(b) All 7 were members of the Conservative Party of South Carolina
Conservative Party of South Carolina
The Conservative Party of South Carolina was a political party of South Carolina during Reconstruction. It was founded in 1874 by James Chestnut from the State Tax Union to provide an organization for the mobilization of white voters. The absence of an active and statewide Democratic Party led many...
.
(c) After the 2000 elections, the Senate was evenly split between 23 Democrats and 23 Republicans. A Democrat, J. Verne Smith of Greer
Greer, South Carolina
Greer is a city in Greenville and Spartanburg counties in the U.S. state of South Carolina, between the cities of Greenville and Spartanburg. The population was 25,515 at the 2010 census. It is projected to hit 30,000 within 4 years. Each day, more than three times that number of people pass...
, switched to the Republicans to break the tie.
(d) Republicans gained an additional seat in a 2007 special election. The current party makeup is 27 Republicans and 19 Democrats.
External links
- South Carolina State House Online
- South Carolina Legislative Information Tracking System allows users to track legislative information via custom reports, tracking lists or subscription services. Services are provided via web search or Palm Pilot.
- The South Carolina Senate Democratic Caucus
- The South Carolina Senate Republican Caucus
- Project Vote Smart - State Senate of South Carolina