Post-Election Legislative Landscape
While the 2024 presidential race got a lot of attention, it is important to remember that the ballot has more than one page for a reason. South Carolina’s state and local contests have a more direct impact on people’s daily lives, and the WREN Policy and Government relations team is here to guide you through what these changes mean.
Election Highlights
Last week’s election brought some shifts and fresh perspectives to our state government. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- South Carolina’s General Assembly will include 32 new members alongside 138 incumbents.
- Women now represent 13% of the legislature, with 22 women (12 Republicans, 10 Democrats) across both chambers.
- With a 72% Republican and 28% Democratic representation, South Carolina’s legislature continues to operate with a strong Republican supermajority, likely influencing committee leadership and legislative priorities.
SC House of Representatives
- The House gains 19 new members (15 Republicans, 4 Democrats) alongside 105 incumbents.
- Women make up 16% of the House, with 20 women (12 Republicans, 8 Democrats).
- With 71% Republican (88 seats) and 29% Democratic (36 seats) representation, the House maintains a Republican supermajority.
SC Senate
- The Senate has 13 new members (9 Republicans, 4 Democrats) alongside 33 incumbents.
- Women now make up just 4% of the Senate, with only two women (both Democrats), down from six previously.
- With 74% Republican (34 seats) and 26% Democratic (12 seats) representation, the Senate solidifies its Republican supermajority, expected to shape committees and legislative priorities.
While we’ve included these demographic breakdowns, it’s important to note that our issues are relevant to all elected officials, regardless of party or gender.
The Impacts at Home
The presidential election may shape the broader political landscape, but many decisions that directly affect our communities are made here at the state level. Policies related to reproductive freedom and economic justice will be decided by state lawmakers, making it essential to stay engaged locally. WREN remains dedicated to advocating for policies that create positive change for South Carolinians, regardless of shifts in national trends.
Next Steps
As part of the state’s legislative process, the South Carolina House and Senate will soon hold their organizational sessions. During these sessions, lawmakers will:
- Establish rules for the legislative year that set the tone for how legislation will be considered and debated.
- Assign Key committee roles to determine which lawmakers will have influence over major issues. Committees focused on healthcare, family support, and economic development will be key in shaping policies that impact WREN’s priorities.
The decisions made in these organizational sessions will directly affect which issues advance and how quickly they progress. WREN will closely monitor these and keep you informed on what they mean for our work.
Our Commitment to Guiding You Through
At WREN, we combine our deep understanding of South Carolina’s legislative process with strong relationships across party lines to ensure you have the resources and information needed to make an impact. Our commitment is to work with our communities to effectively advocate for the issues that matter. Whether you’re a long-time advocate or new to this work, WREN is here to help you engage meaningfully with your representatives.
We’ll provide:
- Timely Updates: We’ll keep you posted on how lawmakers set rules and make committee assignments and how those decisions affect advocacy opportunities.
- Guides and Resources: Watch for upcoming webinars, educational content, and action alerts designed to simplify your path to impactful advocacy.
- Opportunities for Engagement: WREN will offer ways to connect directly with lawmakers and other advocates, building momentum for the issues we all care about.
Don’t miss an update
Subscribe to WREN’s newsletter and follow us on social media to stay informed about the latest developments and upcoming opportunities to find and engage with your legislators. Together, we can shape a brighter future for South Carolina.