Columbia Standard

The South Carolina State Senate filled several key leadership roles Dec. 10, when it elected a new president and committee chairs for the Senate Finance and Labor, and Commerce and Industry committees.

Sen. Thomas Alexander, a Republican from Oconee County, was elected president of the state Senate. He previously served in the South Carolina House from 1987 to 1994 and was elected to the Senate in 1994. 

Sen. Harvey Peeler (R-Cherokee), the previous president of the state senate, resigned to become chairman of the Senate Finance Committee. Peeler had to step down from the presidency in order to assume the chairman position; under state senate rules, one person cannot hold both roles. 

This role was left vacant after the death of Sen. Hugh Leatherman last month. 

Alexander will vacate the chair of the Labor, Commerce and Industry Committee with his new role as president. Sen. Tom Davis (R-Beaufort) will chair that committee.

“I just became the new chairman of the Labor, Commerce, and Industry Committee of the South Carolina Senate,” Sen. Davis tweeted Dec. 10. “I appreciate the confidence in me expressed by my senate colleagues and I look forward to working on comprehensive occupational licensure and industry regulation reform.”

Senate Minority Leader Brad Hutto (D-Orangeburg) thanked Peeler for his leadership over the state senate during his tenure, and said he looks forward to working with him in his role as Chairman of Finance. He also welcomed Alexander into his new role.

“We also congratulate Senator Alexander as he steps up as Senate President, and welcome the opportunity to work with him moving forward,” Hutto said in a statement, according to a report by WNCT News. “His experience and wisdom will serve the people of South Carolina well as he leads the Senate.”