(Florence, SC) – On Tuesday, Republican Mike Reichenbach, a car dealer from Florence County was elected to represent South Carolina Senate District 31.
District 31 is located in and around Florence, close to the coast in the northeastern part of the state. Senator Hugh Leatherman, who held the seat since 1981, passed away last November.
Reichenbach won an overwhelming victory in a special election to fill the vacancy left by Leatherman’s death. Reichenbach defeated Democrat Suzanne La Rochelle.
According to South Carolina Election Commission figures, Reichenbach received 90% of the votes.
This win will make Reichenbach the only Black Republican senator in the South Carolina General Assembly. The results will be certified at the end of the week, allowing Reichenbach to take his seat next week.
In addition to his dealerships, Reichenbach has worked as a state constable and a game warden.
Leatherman held the seat for more than 40 years before his death.
