South Carolina House of Representatives


The South Carolina House of Representatives is the lower house of the South Carolina General Assembly. It consists of 124 representatives elected to two year terms at the same time as U.S. congressional elections.
Unlike many legislatures, seating on the floor is not divided by party, but is arranged by county delegation. This is a legacy of the original apportionment of the chamber. Until 1964, each of South Carolina's counties was a legislative district, with the number of representatives determined by the county's population. It meets from the second week of January into May.

History

In Colonial times, there was a Commons House of Assembly.

Qualifications and terms

Representatives are considered part-time citizen legislators who serve two-year terms. Representatives are elected at-large by their district, and there are no term limits. Representatives must be 21 years of age before they are eligible to become a representative.

Composition

Leadership

Current members

Past compositions

YearDemocratic
Party
Republican
Party
Independent
/ Other
Majority
186500124124
186814110096
187001002476
187222102080
18740913358
1876646004
187812130118
188012040116
188211860112
188411950114
188612040116
188812130118
189011590106
189212040116
189410431787
1896–
1900
12310122
1902–
1960
12400124
196112310122
196212400124
196412310122
196610717090
196811950114
1970113110102
197210321082
197410816092
1976112120100
197810816092
198010816092
198210519086
19849628068
19869232060
19888836052
19908044036
19927450024
19945470016
19965371018
19985767010
20005371018
20025173022
20045074024
20065173022
20085173022
20104876028
20124678032
20144678032
20164480036
20184480035

21 were members of the Union Reform Party of South Carolina and the other 3 were Independents from Anderson. Two of the Union Reform members from Chesterfield were later replaced by Republicans from a resolution passed in the House.

All 33 were members of the Conservative Party of South Carolina.

All 17 were Independent Democrats.

Additional sources