Preceded by Yancey McGill Political party Republican Name Hugh Leatherman, Party Republican Party | Preceded by ??? Religion Methodism Spouse Jean Leatherman (m. 1978) | |
Born April 14, 1931 (age 92)
Lincoln County, North Carolina, U.S. ( 1931-04-14 ) Alma mater North Carolina State University Education North Carolina State University | ||
Sen. Hugh Leatherman's portrait unveiling
Hugh K. Leatherman Sr. (born April 14, 1931) is a Republican member of the South Carolina Senate, representing the 31st District since 1981. The 31st District is anchored in Florence, South Carolina. As Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, Leatherman also sits on the state's Budget and Control Board.
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He has served as President Pro Tempore of the South Carolina Senate since January 25, 2017, and previously served from 2014 until January 24, 2017, when he resigned in order to avoid becoming Lieutenant Governor of South Carolina.
Career
Leatherman began his political career after his election in 1967 to the Town Council in Quinby, South Carolina. He served as a Councilman until 1976. From 1971-1976, Leatherman also served as the Mayor Pro Tempore.
In 1981, he was elected to the South Carolina Senate, representing the 31st District. From June 18, 2014 to January 24, 2017, Leatherman served as the Senate's President Pro Tempore.
In November 2016, President-Elect Donald Trump announced his intention to nominate Governor Nikki Haley to be the next United States Ambassador to the United Nations. As President Pro Tempore, Leatherman would have been next in line to become Lieutenant Governor of South Carolina upon Haley's confirmation and the ascension of Henry McMaster to the governorship. Leatherman, however, stated that he would refuse the position.
On January 24, 2017, when Haley was sworn in as U.N. Ambassador and McMaster became the 117th Governor of South Carolina, Leatherman resigned from his leadership position in the South Carolina Senate in order to avoid ascending to the Office of Lieutenant Governor. He was temporarily succeeded as President Pro Tempore by Kevin L. Bryant, who then became the 92nd Lieutenant Governor of South Carolina. The position of President Pro Tempore was then made vacant again.
On January 25, 2017, Leatherman was re-elected as President Pro Tempore on a 28-16 vote.