Second Longest-Serving Republican in SC House Will Not Seek Re-Election

Rep. Jim Harrison, longtime Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee and the second longest-serving Republican in the S.C. House announced today he will not seek another term in the House.

“This was a very difficult decision. Serving the people of Columbia in the House has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life,” Rep. Harrison said. “The time has come for someone else to serve, with new ideas and a new perspective.

“I will miss the House, and I will miss serving with all of the friends I have made over the years, but I am looking forward to practicing law for a few years before I retire.”

Rep. Harrison was first elected in 1989 and is one of only five remaining House Republicans who were in the House when Republicans took control of the chamber in 1994. He has served as Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee since 1994, taking over for Democrat Jim Hodges when Republican David Wilkins was elected Speaker.

“Jim has been a great friend and mentor to me for as long as I have been in the House,” said House Majority Leader Kenny Bingham. “Losing Chairman Harrison will be a tremendous blow to the House Republicans and all of South Carolina. He was a guiding force for Republicans in the House and an example for us all – regardless of party.”

Rep. Harrison was born in 1951 in Greenwood and holds degrees from The Citadel and the University of South Carolina. He has two children, and he and his wife Susan are members at Shandon Presbyterian Church. He is also a graduate of the U.S. Army War College and a retired Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve, where he served in Operation Desert Storm (Saudi Arabia), Operation Uphold Democracy (Haiti), and Operation Joint Endeavor (1996).

“Jim has a lifetime of service to his state and his nation that is an example to all of us,” said House Speaker Bobby Harrell. “In the House, he has ably pushed conservative legislation in the Judiciary Committee while serving the interests of all of the people of South Carolina. Jim is a friend, and we have served together in the House for a long time. The person who fills his seat has very large shoes to fill.”