Mark Smith (South Carolina politician)

Not to be confused with Mark M. Smith.

Elayne Forastiere

​

(m. 1993)​

Mark Smith
Member of the South CarolinaHouseofRepresentatives from the 99th district
Incumbent
Assumed office November 9, 2020
Children	3 sons
Education	Fayetteville Technical Community College (AS)

Marvin M. "Mark" Smith is an American businessman and politician who is a member of the South Carolina House of Representatives from the 99th District (parts of Berkeley County). He has served since 2020.

Early life, education and career

Smith is a native of Bamberg, South Carolina. He earned an associate degree from Fayetteville Technical Community College. ^[1]

A businessman, he is the owner and president of McAlister-Smith Funeral Homes, the Avinger Funeral Home, and the Palmetto Cremation Society.

Political career

Town Council

Smith served on Mount Pleasant, South Carolina Town Council from 2013 until 2017. ^{[2] [3]}

South Carolina House of Representatives

In 2017, Smith became a Republican candidate for the 99th district South Carolina House of Representatives, losing to Nancy Mace. ^[4]

In October 2019, Smith again announced his candidacy for the 99th district after Mace opted to run for the United States House of Representatives. Smith defeated David Herndon in the Republican primary and Democratic nominee Jen Gibson in the November general election. ^{[5] [6]}

2026 US House of Representatives election

Main article: 2026 United States House of Representatives elections in South Carolina

On August 14, 2025, Smith launched his bid to run for South Carolina 1st Congressional District, as incumbent Nancy Mace had announced her decision to run for governor of South Carolina. ^[7]

Personal life

Smith and his wife, Elayne (née Forastiere), have three children. ^[1]

References

1. "Marvin M. Smith (Mark) - Biography from LegiStorm". www.legistorm.com. Retrieved 2020-11-30.
2. Provided (2017-08-22). "Smith will not seek re-election to Mount Pleasant Town Council". Post and Courier. Retrieved 2025-08-15.
3. "Councilman Mark Smith is making a difference. - Mount Pleasant Magazine". 2015-09-25. Retrieved 2025-08-15.
4. By, Caitlin Byrd (24 November 2017). "Republicans to choose between Nancy Mace and Mark Smith in special runoff Tuesday for S.C. House District 99". Post and Courier. Retrieved 2020-11-30.
5. "Mark Smith announces bid for House District 99". Post and Courier. 15 October 2019. Retrieved 2020-11-30.
6. "Mark Smith (South Carolina)". Ballotpedia. Retrieved 2020-11-30.
7. "Daniel Island legislator officially enters race for SC's 1st Congressional District • SC Daily Gazette". SC Daily Gazette. Retrieved 2025-08-15.