South Carolina House of Representative Kicks Off New Session with Leadership Elections and Committee Assignments

The South Carolina House of Representatives began its new legislative session with critical leadership elections and committee assignments. Murrell Smith was re-elected as Speaker of the House, defeating a challenge from Freedom Caucus member Bill Chumley in a decisive 102-17 vote. Representative Tommy Pope of York County was elected Speaker Pro Tempore, underscoring York County’s influence in the state legislature. The session also saw the appointment of committee chairs and members, shaping the legislative agenda for the coming year.

Speaker of the House and Speaker Pro Tempore

• Speaker of the House: Murrell Smith (Sumter County) was re-elected amidst opposition from the Freedom Caucus, winning 102-17 against Rep. Bill Chumley.
• Speaker Pro Tempore: Tommy Pope (York County)

Committee Chairs and York County Representation

Here’s a breakdown of each committee, its chair, and York County representation:

• Agriculture, Natural Resources & Environmental Affairs:

  • Chair: William M. “Bill” Hixon (Edgefield County)
  • York County: No representation.

• Education & Public Works:

  • Chair: Shannon Erickson (Beaufort County)
  • York County: Jackie R. Terribile

• Ethics:

  • Chair: Wallace H. “Jay” Jordan, Jr. (Florence County)
  • York County: John Richard C. King

• Interstate Cooperation:

  • Chair: Mark Willis (Greenville County)
  • York County: No representation.

• Invitations & Memorial Resolutions:

  • Chair: Dennis Moss (Cherokee, Spartanburg, and York Counties)
  • York County: Dennis Moss

• Judiciary:

  • Chair: Weston Newton (Beaufort County)
  • York County:
    • John Richard C. King
    • David Martin

• Labor, Commerce & Industry:

  • Chair: Bill Herbkersman (Beaufort County)
  • York County:
    • Brandon Guffey
    • Randy Ligon

• Legislative Oversight:

  • Chair: Jeff Johnson (Horry County)
  • York County: No representation.

• Medical, Military, Public & Municipal Affairs:

  • Chair: Sylleste H. Davis (Berkeley County)
  • York County: Heath Sessions

• Operations & Management:

  • Chair: Patrick Haddon  (Greenville County)
  • York County: No representation.

• Regulations, Admin. Procedures, Artificial Intelligence & Cybersecurity:

  • Chair: Jeff Bradley (Beaufort County)
  • York County:
    • Brandon Guffey
    • David Martin

• Rules:

  • Chair: Micajah P. “Micah” Caskey, IV (Lexington County)
  • York County: No representation.

• Ways & Means:

  • Chair: Bruce Bannister (Greenville County)
  • York County: Dennis Moss

In conclusion, the South Carolina House of Representatives began its legislative session by reaffirming leadership with the re-election of Speaker Murrell Smith and the election of Tommy Pope as Speaker Pro Tempore, reflecting stability and strategic influence, particularly for York County. Committee assignments further solidified the foundation for addressing critical legislative priorities, with York County representatives securing key positions across several committees. This distribution of leadership and representation lays the groundwork for a dynamic and productive legislative year, fostering opportunities to advance South Carolina’s policy agenda effectively.