Margie Bright Matthews

Margie Bright Matthews DEMDemocrat

State Senator, District 45

Profile Photo
Margie Bright MatthewsDEMDemocrat State Senator, District 45
61
Years of Age
9
Years of Experience
SCResidence (state)

Margie Bright Matthews (born February 10, 1963) is a Democratic member of the South Carolina Senate, representing the 45th District since 2015, when she won a special election to succeed Clementa Pinckney, who was killed in the Charleston church shooting in 2015. She is an attorney who founded her own law firm. Bright Matthews was among a number of African American women from around the United States who endorsed Hillary Rodham Clinton for President in 2016. In 2023, she joined with an Independent and three Republican women senators, calling themselves, "The Sister Senators": Sen. Mia McLeod (I-Richland), Sen. Katrina Shealy (R-Lexington), Sen. Penry Gustafson (R-Kershaw), Sen. Margie Bright-Matthews (D-Colleton), and Sen. Sandy Senn (R-Charleston)." They blocked male state senators from passing a bill that would ban all abortions in South Carolina. In September 2023 it was announced that "The Sister Senators" had been selected to receive the John F. Kennedy Profiles in Courage Award.

Voterly's Issue Scores  (1 - 3 of 3)

Below lists the position this politician has taken on a political issue. The star rating represents the politician's prioritization and action on the issue based on data collected by relevant interest groups. Select an issue to view a more in-depth explanation of each rating.

Special Interest Group Ratings

Interest Groups That SUPPORT
Rating
Interest Groups That OPPOSE
Rating
Average Score

Disclaimer: A special interest group's positions on issues are gathered from various reputable sources including the organization's website, social media accounts, press releases, and other public communications. Special interest group politician ratings are provided by VoteSmart.org. Positions and ratings are subject to change and we may experience delays, interruptions, or errors, as a result. If you believe this information is inaccurate, please submit a problem report. Submit Report.

0 / 3
Education4 - 4 of 2
University of South Carolina School of Law
JD
1989
University of South Carolina
BS
1985
Past Positions1 - 3 of 3
Senator
South Carolina State Senate
2015 - Current
Owner
Bright Matthews Law Firm, Limited Liability Corporation
1992 - Current
Associate Attorney
McLeod, Fraser & Cone
1989 - 1992
Other Experience1 - 17 of 17
Member
South Carolina Bar Association
1989 - Current
Former Member
Rice Festival Committee
Former Member
Walterboro Rotary Club
Former Member
Head Start Advisory Council, Leadership Columbia Alumni Association
Member
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority
Member
South Carolina Women Lawyers Association
Member
Colleton County Resource and Development Board
Member
South Carolina Association for Justice Board of Governors
Member
New Life United Methodist Church
Member
Sea Island Comprehensive Health Care Board
Member
South Carolina Commission on Indigent Defense Advisory Panel, 14th Judicial Circuit
President
Colleton County Bar Association
State Delegate
American Association for Justice
Former Member
Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee, South Carolina State Senate
Former Member
General Committee, South Carolina State Senate
Former Member
Fish, Game and Forestry Committee, South Carolina State Senate
Former Member
Family and Veterans' Services Committee, South Carolina State Senate
People Also Viewed1 - 0 of 0
More About South Carolina5 - 5 of 3
South Carolina Overview
Learn more about South Carolina's political landscape
South Carolina Voting Info
Everything you need to know for upcoming elections.
United States Overview
Learn more about the US political landscape.
Additional Tools4 - 4 of 2
Find My Representatives
Submit your address and discover who represents you
Registration Status & Monitor
Check if you're registered to vote. Get notified if anything changes.