Political party Republican Role Pharmacist Name Kevin Bryant | Religion Born Again Christian Spouse(s) Ann Party Republican Party | |
Born February 19, 1967 (age 57)
Anderson, South Carolina ( 1967-02-19 ) Profession pharmacist and small business owner | ||
Kevin L. Bryant (born February 19, 1967) is an American politician, pharmacist, and businessman. A member of the Republican Party, Bryant became the 92nd Lieutenant Governor of South Carolina on January 25, 2017 after serving in the South Carolina Senate from 2005 to 2017, and he is currently a candidate for the 2018 gubernatorial election.
Contents
- Early life and education
- South Carolina Senate
- Lieutenant Governor of South Carolina 2017present
- 2018 gubernatorial election
- References
Early life and education
Bryant is the son of Clifford W. and Gloria J. Bryant. Bryant has managed, with his brothers and father, Bryant Pharmacy & Supply, an independent pharmacy located in Anderson. He and his wife, Ann have three children. Bryant earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Georgia. He is the president of Bryant Pharmacy and Supply.
South Carolina Senate
Bryant was elected to the South Carolina Senate in 2004 to represent 3rd District based in Anderson County, South Carolina. He was re-elected in 2008, 2012 and 2016. Bryant is the chairman of the Invitations Committee, and he also sits on the Agriculture and Natural Resources, Finance, General and Labor, Commerce and Industry committees.
Bryan, a Republican, considers himself one of the most right-wing politicians in the state. He made national news when he introduced legislation to extend the death penalty to child rapists. The legislation was signed into law by then Governor Mark Sanford in 2006.
In 2008, Bryant attracted controversy after posting an image on his official campaign website of Osama bin Laden and presidential candidate Barack Obama, with the caption saying "the difference between Obama and Osama is just a little B.S."
Additionally, Bryant is an outspoken critic of government spending; he is a founding member of the William Wallace Caucus, a group of conservative senators who favor a laissez-faire approach to government policy and were fervid supporters of former Governor Mark Sanford. Bryant opposes same-sex marriage and supports a Constitutional amendment that would outlaw the practice, and he believes that man-made gloabl warming is a myth.
Bryant is a Creationist who believes the entire Universe was created in a literal 6 days approximately 6,000 years ago.
Lieutenant Governor of South Carolina (2017–present)
Nikki Haley resigned as Governor of South Carolina on January 24, 2017 to become United States Ambassador to the United Nations. Henry McMaster, the lieutenant governor, automatically became governor at such time. Since Hugh Leatherman, the Senate president pro tempore, refused to become lieutenant governor per the South Carolina Constitution, Bryant was appointed to fill the pro tempore position on January 24, and ascended to the role of lieutenant governor.
2018 gubernatorial election
Bryant is currently a candidate for the 2018 gubernatorial election in South Carolina, vying against Henry McMaster, the incumbent Republican, and two other Republicans. In July of 2017, Bryant kicked off his campaign and added that he is the most right-wing candidate running for the office. As of August 2017, Bryant has raised about $100,000 compared to Henry McMaster's $1.8 million and Catherine Templeton's $1.75 million.