Today, the PAC Board is releasing their first slate of Chamber PAC endorsed candidates before the November 5 general election. The candidates endorsed below have been closely vetted through the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce Political Action Committee.
Endorsed candidates have strong alignment with the Chamber’s key policy priorities and strong vision for the future of their district.
Qualified candidates demonstrate an ability to serve effectively if elected or re-elected.
South Carolina State Senate
District 20 – Ed Sutton, D
Ed Sutton, a veteran and resident of the Lowcountry, is a current business owner and has demonstrated a commitment to revitalization through his redevelopment efforts in North Charleston. Ed’s top policy priorities are housing, infrastructure, flooding, traffic, housing and education.
District 32 – Ronnie Sabb, D(incumbent)
Senator Sabb has represented District 32 for 10 years and previously served as a representative for SC House District 101. He has experience as an attorney and currently serves on the Senate Judiciary Committee. He was recently named a 2024 Champion of Business.
District 37 – Larry Grooms, R (incumbent)
Senator Grooms has represented District 37 since 1997 and currently chairs the Transportation Committee. He was recently named a 2024 Champion of Business.
District 38 – Sean Bennett, R (incumbent)
Senator Bennett is a S.C. Army National Guard veteran and has represented District 38 since 2013. He is the Senate Ethics Committee Chairman and was recently named a 2024 Champion of Business.
District 39 – Vernon Stephens, D(incumbent)
Senator Stephens represents District 39, which spans Berkeley, Calhoun, Colleton, Dorchester & Orangeburg Counties. Mr. Stephens serves on the Transportation Committee and Judiciary Committee. He was recently named a 2024 Champion of Business.
District 41 – Matt Leber, R
Mr. Leber is a retired veteran and has most recently served in the State House of Representatives for District 116. During his time as a state representative, Mr. Leber served on the Judiciary Committee and was named a 2024 Champion of Business.
District 42 – Deon Tedder, D(incumbent)
Senator Tedder was first elected in a special election in 2023 to represent District 42. Previously, he served as a representative for SC House District 109. He is a resident of North Charleston and currently serves on the Senate Judiciary Committee. He was recently named a 2024 Champion of Business.
District 43 – Chip Campsen, R (incumbent)
Senator Campsen has represented District 43 for almost 20 years and previously served in the State House of Representatives. His committee assignments include Transportation, Legislative Oversight, Rules and Judiciary Committees. He was recently named a 2024 Champion of Business.
District 44 – Brian Adams, R(incumbent)
Senator Adams has represented District 44 for three years and has prior experience serving on the Berkeley County School District school board. He has professional experience in law enforcement and currently serves on the Senate Judiciary Committee. He was recently named a 2024 Champion of Business.
District 45 – Margie Bright Matthews, D(incumbent)
Senator Matthews was first elected in a special election in 2015 and is an attorney. Her committee assignments include Finance Committee, Transportation Committee, Rules Committee and Labor, Commerce and Industry Committee. She was recently named a 2024 Champion of Business.
South Carolina State House of Representatives
District 15 – JA Moore, D(incumbent)
Representative Moore is a business owner and serves on the Medical, Military, Public and Municipal Affairs Committee. He was recently named a 2024 Champion of Business.
District 80 – Kathy Landing, R(incumbent)
Representative Landing is a previous Town of Mount Pleasant Council member and financial advisor. She serves on the Education and Public Works Committee and was recently named a 2024 Champion of Business.
District 92 – Brandon Cox, R (incumbent)
Representative Cox is a veteran and former Berkeley County Council member. He serves on the Medical, Military, Public and Municipal Affairs Committee and the Operations and Management Committee. He was recently named a 2024 Champion of Business.
District 97 – Robby Robbins, R(incumbent)
Representative Robbins is an attorney and resident of Summerville. He serves on the Judiciary Committee and the Ethics Committee. He was recently named a 2024 Champion of Business.
District 98 – Chris Murphy, R(incumbent)
Chris Murphy is a Citadel graduate and former Dorchester County Council member. He currently serves on the House Ways and Means Committee. He was recently named a 2024 Champion of Business.
District 99 – Marvin “Mark” Smith, R(incumbent)
Representative Smith is a small business owner and previous Town of Mount Pleasant Council member. He serves on the Medical, Military, Public and Municipal Affairs Committee and was recently named a 2024 Champion of Business.
District 100 – Sylleste Davis, R (incumbent)
Representative Davis was first elected in a special election in 2016 and currently chairs the Medical, Military, Public and Municipal Affairs. She was recently named a 2024 Champion of Business.
District 102 – Harriet Holman, R(endorsement), Joe Jefferson, D(incumbent, qualified)
Harriet Holman, a current council member for Dorchester County, is currently running for District 102. As a veteran and supporter of the business community, Harriet brings a wealth of knowledge on military affairs and governmental operations.
Representative Joe Jefferson is the incumbent, who has diligently served in office since 2005, serves as 2nd Vice-Chair of the Labor, Commerce and Industry Committee. He was recently named a 2024 Champion of Business.
District 108 – Lee Hewitt, R(incumbent)
Representative Hewitt is a realtor and serves on the Ways and Means Committee. He was recently named a 2024 Champion of Business.
District 110 – Tom Hartnett, R (incumbent)
Representative Hartnett is a certified general real estate appraiser and serves on the Education and Public Works Committee. He was recently named a 2024 Champion of Business.
District 111 – Wendell Gilliard, D(incumbent)
Representative Gilliard has served in the SC House of Representatives for the past 15 years. He is a Charleston native and former City of Charleston council member. He currently serves on the Medical, Military and Public and Municipal Affairs Committee. He was recently named a 2024 Champion of Business.
District 112 – Joe Bustos, R (incumbent)
Representative Bustos is a resident of Mount Pleasant and a U.S. Army veteran. He currently serves on the Medical, Military and Public and Municipal Affairs Committee. He was recently named a 2024 Champion of Business.
District 114 – Gary Brewer, R(incumbent)
Representative Brewer is a West Ashley resident running for his second term in the SC House of Representatives. He currently serves on the SC House Legislative Oversight Committee. He was recently named a 2024 Champion of Business.
District 115 – Elizabeth “Spencer” Wetmore, D(incumbent)
Representative Wetmore is an attorney and previous City Administrator of Folly Beach. She serves on the Judiciary Committee and was recently named a 2024 Champion of Business.
District 119 – Leon Stavrinakis, D(incumbent)
Representative Stavrinakis is an attorney and previous chairman of Charleston County Council. He serves on the Ways and Means Committee. He was recently named a 2024 Champion of Business.
For details of our 2024 Champions of Business, please refer to this edition of The Advocates from earlier this year.
The Charleston Metro Chamber PAC is excited to support each of these candidates leading up to Election Day. If you would like to contribute to the PAC and support this meaningful work, please click here or email dcurry@charlestonchamber.org.
Check your sample ballot at scvotes.gov and make sure to go vote.
