South Carolina Senate

South Carolina Senate
Name	South Carolina Senate
Legislature	South Carolina General Assembly
House type	Upper house
Body	South Carolina General Assembly
Term limits	None
Foundation	1776
Leader1 type	President
Leader1	Thomas C. Alexander
Party1	(Republican)
Election1	2014
Leader2 type	President Pro Tempore
Leader2	Shane Massey
Party2	(Republican)
Election2	2016
Leader3 type	Majority Leader
Leader3	A. Shane Massey
Party3	(Republican)
Election3	2016
Leader4 type	Minority Leader
Leader4	Brad Hutto
Party4	(Democratic)
Election4	2020
Members	46
Political groups1	Majority (30), Republican (30), Minority (16), Democratic (16)
Term length	4 years
Authority	Article III, South Carolina Constitution
Salary	$10,400/year + per diem
Last election1	November 3, 2020
Next election1	November 5, 2024
Meeting place	Senate Chamber, South Carolina State House, Columbia, South Carolina
Website	https://www.scstatehouse.gov/senate.php

South Carolina Senate. The South Carolina Senate is the upper chamber of the South Carolina General Assembly, the state legislature of South Carolina. It is composed of 46 senators elected from single-member districts for four-year terms. The Senate convenes at the South Carolina State House in Columbia, South Carolina.

History

The Senate traces its origins to the colonial South Carolina Commons House of Assembly, with its modern form established by the South Carolina Constitution of 1776 following the American Revolution. Throughout the antebellum period, it was dominated by planter elites from the Lowcountry and was a central institution in the defense of slavery in the United States. Following the American Civil War and during Reconstruction, the chamber briefly included African-American members like Stephen Atkins Swails under the Reconstruction Acts. The South Carolina Constitution of 1895, crafted by politicians like Benjamin Tillman, effectively disenfranchised Black voters and solidified Democratic control for nearly a century, a period known as the Solid South. Political realignment began with the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the election of Strom Thurmond to the United States Senate, culminating in the rise of the modern Republican majority in the early 21st century.

Membership and elections

Senators are elected from 46 single-member districts apportioned by population following each United States census. Elections are held in November of even-numbered years, with terms beginning immediately upon election. There are no term limits for senators. To qualify, a candidate must be a U.S. citizen, at least 25 years old, a legal resident of South Carolina for five years, and a resident of their district for one year prior to the election. Vacancies are filled by special election called by the Governor of South Carolina.

Powers and duties

The Senate shares legislative power with the South Carolina House of Representatives, including the authority to introduce and pass bills, override gubernatorial vetoes with a two-thirds vote, and draft the state budget. It holds exclusive powers to try officials impeached by the House, such as during the proceedings against Governor James F. Byrnes. The Senate must confirm major gubernatorial appointments, including Cabinet heads, judges for the South Carolina Supreme Court, and members of powerful boards like the South Carolina Public Service Commission. It also ratifies interstate compacts.

Leadership and committees

The presiding officer is the President, a position held by the state's Lieutenant Governor; since 2014, this has been Thomas C. Alexander. Day-to-day leadership is exercised by the President Pro Tempore, currently Shane Massey. Other key leaders include the Majority Leader and the Minority Leader. The Senate operates through standing committees such as the powerful Finance Committee, the Judiciary Committee, and the Medical Affairs Committee.

Current composition

Following the 2020 South Carolina Senate election, the Republican Party holds a 30-16 majority over the Democrats. This supermajority allows the Republican caucus to override vetoes from Governor Henry McMaster without Democratic support. Notable members include President Pro Tempore Shane Massey, Minority Leader Brad Hutto, and long-serving senators like John L. Scott Jr.. The chamber's partisan makeup reflects the state's overall political shift since the election of Strom Thurmond.

Notable legislation

Historically, the Senate passed the Ordinance of Nullification in 1832, defying the Tariff of Abominations. In the modern era, it has enacted significant laws including the South Carolina Education Accountability Act of 1998, the Base Load Review Act concerning V.C. Summer Nuclear Generating Station, and the 2015 bill to remove the Confederate battle flag from the South Carolina State House grounds following the Charleston church shooting. Recent sessions have debated major issues like abortion restrictions, education reform, and tax cut proposals.

Category:South Carolina Senate Category:State upper houses in the United States Category:Government of South Carolina