Last week, S.C. Republican Party chairwoman Karen Floyd announced her resignation today after one of the most successful election periods in the history of the party. She ran to replace outgoing chairman Katon Dawson last May, and her term would have ended next year. Floyd is the first woman to ever hold the post. The gains by state Republicans during her watch are nothing short of amazing. On Election Day, Republicans won every statewide office on the ballot, giving conservatives a singular chance at enacting reforms that will make a significant impact in moving South Carolina forward in everything from
State Rep. Tim Scott’s political star rose even higher Tuesday as he won the 1st District race to become South Carolina’s first black Republican congressman in more than a century. With most precincts reporting, Scott was leading with about 65 percent of the vote in the seven-way race, according to unofficial results. He will become the nation’s first black Republican in Congress since 2003, when former Oklahoma Rep. J.C. Watts retired. He could have company, with other black Republicans in competitive races in south Florida and Colorado. Scott, 45, has grown accustomed to breaking barriers. He was the first black
On his first day as congressman-elect for the 5th District, Mick Mulvaney stayed in bed late with a head cold that bothered him over the final days of the campaign. Mulvaney was unavailable for comment Wednesday while he got some long-awaited rest, a spokesman said. In a statement, the Indian Land Republican reflected on his victory over 14-term incumbent Rep. John Spratt of York. “Folks here have made it clear that the current agenda is unacceptable, and that we need to change course,” he said. “Simply put, there is no stronger message that voters can send than to vote out
In a state where “you’re not from around here” can be both an inquiry and an accusation, Republican Nikki Haley connected with S.C. voters through biography and policies to overcome history and become the state’s first woman and first minority governor. Haley edged Kershaw Democrat Vincent Sheheen in a race that became tense and tight toward the end, as Sheheen sought to make the race a referendum on character. “Ideas win,” said Jenny Sanford, the state’s former first lady who provided the once underdog candidate Haley with a key endorsement. “There is only so far you can go if you
SCGOP Chairman Karen Floyd made a stop in Beaufort to attend a luncheon at the Golden Corral. She spoke with Beaufort GOP Chairman Rachel Buie about what lies ahead for the SCGOP.
As the Veterans Day parade marches past our Columbia headquarters, it is impossible to not become overwhelmed with pride and respect for this great country. After the tremendous success of our recent elections, we must take time to commemorate the brave sacrifices of countless men and women who make our way of life possible. We recognize that our Democracy and precious liberties would be mere memories without our nation’s military personnel and the families that support them. Veterans Day used to be known as Armistice Day, since it marks the signing of the Armistice that ended World War I. Major
(Columbia, SC) – Today, House Speaker Bobby Harrell issued the following statement about South Carolina Republican Party Chairman Karen Floyd: “As Chairman, candidate for office, elected official, and public servant, Karen Floyd has worked tirelessly to better the lives of her community and South Carolinians with conservative conviction and a fierce work ethic. “During her tenure as South Carolina Republican Party Chairman, Karen oversaw an organization responsible for historic gains – an unprecedented election of all nine statewide constitutional officers, the defeat of one of the most powerful Democrats in Washington, and the largest, most conservative majority ever before in
COLUMBIA, S.C. – The South Carolina House Republican leadership issued the following statements after state GOP Chairwoman Karen Floyd announced she would not seek another term. House Majority Leader Kenny Bingham, R-Cayce, said: “Karen Floyd’s tenure as party chairwoman will be remembered for the extraordinary election we just witnessed. She helped orchestrate a complete sweep of our state’s Constitutional Offices, wrested the Department of Education back from the Democrats, replaced a key Nancy Pelosi lieutenant with a conservative Republican, and built the biggest state House majority the party has ever seen. “That wasn’t by accident. Karen matched a vision for
