Leadership Updates: 

This week, we finalized key leadership positions that will guide the South Carolina House as we prepare for the 2025-2026 Session. Rep. Murrell Smith was re-elected as Speaker of the House, and Rep. Tommy Pope was re-elected as Speaker Pro-Tempore. Their continued leadership will be instrumental in ensuring a focused and effective legislative session. Some of you receive a newsletter regularly that recently denounced the election of our Speaker. I would like to address this directly as I have had texts and emails from some constituents on this subject. It is important to note that the publication in question references many years' worth of inaction to pass conservative legislation, but yet fails to clarify that Speaker Smith only rose to that position in the last Session. We passed many landmark conservative bills during the 125th Session, a number of which had been proposed for decades but failed to be passed. It is simply inaccurate to say that Speaker Smith's leadership was not conservative. Given the circumstances of constant battles both with Democrats on key bills, but also members of the Republican Party who seem to want to find a different path even if a bill is inherently conservative, Speaker Smith oversaw the passing of the Fetal Heartbeat Bill, Constitutional Carry, School Choice, Help Not Harm (protecting children from harmful gender transition methods), removing ESG doctrine from the State Pension Plan, and even Integrity & Transparency in Education (which was changed so much by the Senate that it did not get through Conference Committee). While there were many other bills that needed to be passed, I believe we should focus on getting these done in the 126th Session instead of wasting time second guessing what should have been. Also, the alternative nominee for Speaker was not presented to any of us until moments before the vote, and few if any of his relevant credentials for the position had been demonstrated in the prior two years of Session 125. It is extremely important that we stay committed to serving you, our constituents rather than grandstanding for attention by throwing out completely unexpected curveballs with no basis for common sense decision making. 

Within the House Republican Caucus, Rep. Davey Hiott was re-elected as the House Majority Leader, and Rep. Brandon Newton was elected as the House Assistant Majority Leader. Their dedication to advancing conservative principles will help us achieve meaningful progress for South Carolina.

Committee Assignments: 

During Reorganization, committee assignments for the upcoming 2025-2026 legislative session were finalized. Committees play a vital role in shaping the laws and policies that directly impact our state. Each assignment reflects our commitment to ensure expertise and dedication guide the legislative process. I’m honored to have been assigned to the Judiciary Committee, whose subcommittees help identify the major areas of focus. These are Constitutional Law, Criminal Law, General Law, Family, Business, and Probate Law, and Special Laws. I was further appointed to sit on the General Law subcommittee, chaired by Rep. Case Brittain (R-District 107, Horry County). Also, I was appointed to the Legislative Oversight Committee. I look forward to collaborating with my colleagues to tackle the important issues facing South Carolina. While the legal field is not my area of professional expertise, bringing 40 years of business experience, especially in finance and economics should be very helpful in passing legislation that more reasonably balances the interests of the general public with those of lawyers and their clients. 

I would also like to congratulate the members selected to chair our House Committees for this session:

● Agriculture, Natural Resources & Environmental Affairs: Rep. Bill Hixon, (R - District 83)

● Education and Public Works: Rep. Shannon Erickson, (R - District 124)

● Ethics: Rep. Jay Jordan, (R - District 63)

● Interstate Cooperation: Rep. Mark Willis, (R - District 15)

● Invitations and Memorial Resolutions: Rep. Dennis Moss, (R - District 29)

● Judiciary: Rep. Weston Newton, (R - District 120)

● Labor, Commerce and Industry: Rep. Bill Herbkersman, (R - District 118)

● Legislative Oversight: Rep. Jeff Johnson, (R - District 58)

● Medical, Military, Public and Municipal Affairs: Rep. Sylleste Davis, (R - District 100)

● Operations and Management: Rep. Patrick Haddon, (R - District 19)

● Regulations and Administrative Procedures: Rep. Jeff Bradley, (R - District 123)

● Rules: Rep. Micah Caskey, (R - District 89)

● Ways and Means: Rep. Bruce Bannister, (R - District 24)

Each of these leaders bring invaluable experience and dedication to their respective committees. Under their leadership, I am confident we will make meaningful progress for our state.

Welcoming New Members: 

This session, we are pleased to welcome an impressive group of freshman members to the South Carolina House Republican Caucus. Their diverse backgrounds and commitment to public service will be invaluable as we work together to advance South Carolina’s future. Our new members include: Rep. Phillip Bowers (R - District 3), Rep. Charles Hartz (R - District 81), Rep. Harriet Holman (R - District 102), Rep. David Martin (R - District 26), Rep. Scott Montgomery (R - District 32), Rep. Luke Rankin (R - District 14), Rep. Blake Sanders (R - District 9), Rep. James Teeple (R - District 116 which is Sen. Matt Leber's former District), and Rep. Paul Wickensimer (R - District 22). These legislators bring fresh perspectives and energy to the Caucus, and I look forward to working alongside them to serve our state and communities.

Looking Back and Moving Ahead:

As we prepare for the 2025-2026 session, I want to reflect on the progress we’ve already made. Many of our new priorities build on successes from the 2023-2024 session, where we achieved significant legislative victories:

Delivering Historic Tax Cuts: We passed a General Fund budget that accelerated income tax reductions to make South Carolina more competitive.

Prioritizing Public Safety: We implemented tougher penalties for fentanyl trafficking, reformed bail practices, and cracked down on DUIs with new ignition interlock requirements.

Strengthening Families and Communities: The “Help Not Harm” bill protects children from gender transition procedures, and we banned non-citizens from voting through a constitutional referendum.

Health and Regulatory Reforms: Repealing the Medical Certificate of Need and expanding telehealth services have improved healthcare access across the state. 

These achievements provide a strong foundation for our “Six Pillars for Progress,” which will guide us in the upcoming session:

Deliver Historic Tax Cuts: Simplifying our tax system and reducing burdens on small businesses.

Promote Business-Friendly Policies: Encouraging growth by removing barriers and addressing high costs.

Fuel South Carolina’s Booming Economy: Investing in infrastructure, energy, and workforce development.

Expand Educational Opportunities: Empowering parents and improving outcomes for students.

Prioritize Public Safety and Law-and-Order Policies: Strengthening penalties and supporting law enforcement.

Strengthen Families and Communities: Defending parental rights, supporting personal freedom, and promoting conservative values.