Hugh Leatherman

Hugh K. Leatherman Sr. ( born April 14, 1931) is a Republican member of the South Carolina Senate, serving since 1981.  The 31st District, which he currently represents, is anchored in Florence, South Carolina.  As Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, Leatherman also sits on the state's Budget and Control Board.  

He served as President Pro Tempore of the South Carolina Senate for all but one day from June 18, 2014 to January 8, 2019.  The position was abolished and replaced with the President of the Senate. 

Early life
Leatherman was born in Lincoln County, North Carolina.  He studied at North Carolina State University where he obtained his Bachelor of Science degree. 

Career
Leatherman began his political career after his election in 1967 to the Town Council in Quinby, South Carolina.   He served as a Councilman until 1976.   From 1971–1976, Leatherman also served as the Mayor Pro Tempore.  In 1981, he was elected to the South Carolina Senate.   

In November 2016, President-elect Donald Trump announced his intention to nominate Governor Nikki Haley to be the next United States Ambassador to the United Nations.   As President Pro Tempore, Leatherman would have been next in line to become Lieutenant Governor of South Carolina upon Haley's confirmation and the ascension of Henry McMaster to the governorship.   Leatherman, however, stated that he would refuse the position. 

On January 24, 2017, when Haley was sworn in as U.N. Ambassador and McMaster became the 117th Governor of South Carolina, Leatherman resigned from his leadership position in the South Carolina Senate in order to avoid ascending to the Office of Lieutenant Governor.  He was succeeded as President Pro Tempore by Kevin L. Bryant, who then became the 92nd Lieutenant Governor of South Carolina.   The position of President Pro Tempore was then made vacant again. 

On January 25, 2017, Leatherman was re-elected as President Pro Tempore on a 28–16 vote. 

In December 2018, it was announced that the position of President Pro Tempore would be abolished due to a constitutional change that removes the Lieutenant Governor as President of the Senate, and replaces the position of President Pro Tempore with a President elected from the Senate membership. 

References

External links
South Carolina Legislature – Hugh K. Leatherman Sr.  Official SC Senate Website
 Hugh K. Leatherman Sr.  Official Constituent Service Website
Project Vote Smart – Senator Hugh Kenneth Leatherman Sr. ( SC) profile

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Category:1931 births
Category:21st-century American politicians
Category:American Methodists
Category:Living people
Category:People from Florence County, South Carolina
Category:People from Lincoln County, North Carolina
Category:South Carolina state senators