Political Overview

South Carolina has a strong legislature and a history of partisan shifts—from Democratic dominance in the 20th century to Republican control since the 1990s. It is currently a Republican trifecta (control of the Governor’s office and both chambers of the legislature).

For more information:

• SC Legislature Home »

• SC Election Commission »

• Beaufort County Voter Registration »

 

The State Government

South Carolina operates under a revised 1895 Constitution, amended frequently since 1970. The legislature is known as the General Assembly, composed of a 46-member Senate (4-year terms) and a 124-member House of Representatives (2-year terms).

 

Key statewide elected offices (4-year terms) include:

• Governor & Lt. Governor (run jointly)

• Attorney General

• Secretary of State

• Comptroller General

• Superintendent of Education

• State Treasurer

 

Legislative sessions begin each January. The Governor can veto bills, but vetoes may be overridden with a two-thirds vote. Revenue bills must originate in the House.

Voters do not register by party in South Carolina. They may choose to vote in either the Democratic or Republican primary—but not both in the same cycle. Election info here.

 

Beaufort County Representatives

 

​Federal Representation

• U.S. Senate: Lindsey Graham (R) and Tim Scott (R)

• U.S. House – SC-01: Covers coastal SC from Seabrook Island to the NC border, including much of Beaufort County. Current Rep:SC-1, Nancy Mace (R)  District Map.

​​

​

State Legislative Delegation for Beaufort County

Senators

• SD-43: George “Chip” Campsen (R)

• SD-45: Margie Bright Matthews (D)

• SD-46: Tom Davis (R)

 

Representatives

• HD-118: Bill Herbkersman (R)

• HD-120: Weston Newton (R)

• HD-121: Michael Rivers (D)

• HD-122: Shedron Williams (D)

• HD-123: Jeff Bradley (R)

• HD-124: Shannon Erickson (R)

 

Search for Your Legislators and Contact Information

​

Beaufort County Government

Structure: Governed by an 11-member partisan County Council under a Council-Administrator system. Council hires a professional administrator to manage operations.

​

Elected County Officials:

• Sheriff: P.J. Tanner (R)

• Treasurer: Maria Walls (R)

• Auditor: Jim Beckert (R)

• Probate Judge: Kenneth Pulp (R)

• Clerk of Court: Jerri Roseneau (R)

• Solicitor (14th Circuit): Duffie Stone (R)

Beaufort County website.

​

Beaufort County Board of Education

• 11 nonpartisan members, each elected by district to four-year staggered terms.

• Oversees 30 public schools and over 21,000 students

Board info & districts

​

Towns Within Beaufort County

Bluffton

• Fastest-growing town in SC.

• Mayor + 4 nonpartisan Town Council members.

• Town website

Hilton Head Island

• Pop. ~37,000 (150,000+ in tourist season)

• Mayor + 6 Council members, all nonpartisan.

• Town website

Daufuskie Island

• Pop. ~650

• Governed locally by the Daufuskie Island Council.

• Elections held annually. Council website

 

​