South Carolina House Republicans and Democrats stick with same leadership for upcoming legislative session

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WCBD) – Republicans and Democrats in the South Carolina House have chosen who will lead their respective caucuses through the next legislative session.

Lawmakers met Tuesday in Columbia to elect their leadership for the 2025 session, which begins in mid-January.

Rep. Murrell Smith of Sumter was reelected to serve as speaker for a second two-year term in a 102-17 vote. He was challenged by Spartanburg Rep. Bill Chumley, a member of the hardline conservative Freedom Caucus.

“It is once again the honor of my lifetime to be chosen by the men and women in this chamber to serve as speaker of the South Carolina House of Representatives,” Smith said after formally taking his oath of office.

“It is our duty to show the people of South Carolina that the government works for them, that we can disagree without being disagreeable, and that collaboration not division is the foundation of our success,” he continued, directly addressing his colleagues.

Later, Smith laid out his policy roadmap for 2025, which he said would center around three key priorities: tax reform, promoting business-friendly policies, and fueling the state’s “booming economy.”

“We will work to simplify our tax code, ensure fairness, and create an environment that continues to attract businesses and reward hard work,” he said in part.

Rep. Tommy Pope of York was reelected to serve as speaker pro tempore by an acclamation vote as he was the only nominee.

Republicans entered the 2024 election cycle hoping to retain the supermajority they won in 2022. That’s what happened on Nov. 5, with Republicans winning 88 seats in the lower chamber.

A week later, House Republicans voted to keep Pickens Rep. Davey Hiott as majority leader, a post he has held since May 2022.

The House Democratic Caucus, meanwhile, is also sticking with its longtime leadership.

Richland Rep. Todd Rutherford was reelected as minority leader on Tuesday and will lead the 35-member caucus. He faced a challenge from fellow Richland Rep. Kambrell Garvin.

There is one vacancy in the House – a Democratic-leaning district in Charleston County previously held by former Rep. Marvin Pendarvis (D). A special election to fill the seat is scheduled for next spring.

Several officers —  House Clerk Charles Reid, House Reading Clerk James “Bubba” Cromer, Sergeant-At-Arms Mitch Dorman – and Chaplin Charles Seastrunk were also reelected Tuesday.