Mike Reichenbach (politician)

Last updated
Charisse Reichenbach
​
​
(m. 1996)​
Mike Reichenbach
Reichenbach at 51st Military Police Battalion conducts Change of Command Cropped.jpg
Mike Reichenbach gives remarks during a Change of Command Ceremony
Member of the South Carolina Senate
from the 31st district
Incumbent
Assumed office
April 4, 2022
Children2
Alma mater Bowling Green State University Michigan State University
ProfessionBusiness owner, politician

Mike Reichenbach is an American business owner and politician. He is a Republican member of the South Carolina Senate, representing District 31 (Darlington and Florence Counties). [1]

Contents

Reichenbach was first elected through a special election after the passing of Hugh Leatherman.

Early life, education and career

Reichenbach was born to a 14 year old mother, who gave him up for adoption. He owns car dealerships in Florence and Hilton Head Island. [2]

In 1994, Reichenbach graduated from Bowling Green State University and in 2000 earned an MBA from the University of Michigan. [3]

Political career

South Carolina Senate

Elections

2022 special election

After the death of incumbent Senator Hugh Leatherman in 2021, a special election was set for March 29, 2022. Reichenbach announced, [4] [5] and defeated state Rep. Jay Jordan, R-Florence, in the GOP primary, held January 24, 2022. [6] Reichenbach went on to defeat Democratic Party nominee Suzanne La Rochelle in the special election. [7] [8] He was sworn in on April 5, 2022. [9]

Tenure

Reichenbach serves on following Committees: [1]

  • Agriculture and Natural Resources
  • Corrections and Penology
  • Family and Veterans' Services
  • Fish, Game and Forestry
  • Judiciary
2024 election

In 2024, Reichenbach defeated Democratic challenger, Former Florence County Magistrate Judge Belinda Timmons. [10] [11] [12]

2026 lieutenant governor

Further information: 2026 South Carolina gubernatorial election

On January 9, 2026, Alan Wilson, South Carolina Attorney General and gubernatorial candidate, announced his selection of Reichenbach as his running mate choice for Lieutenant governor. [13]

References

  1. 1 2 "Senator Mike Reichenbach". South Carolina Legislature. 2023. Retrieved June 4, 2023.
  2. ↑ Schechter, Maayan (2026-01-09). "Alan Wilson picks Florence GOP senator as running mate in SC gov race". South Carolina Public Radio. Retrieved 2026-01-09.
  3. ↑ Phillips, Patrick; Reagan, Nick (2026-01-09). "Wilson chooses running mate in S.C. governor's race". WCSC-TV. Retrieved 2026-01-09.
  4. ↑ Adcox, Seanna (November 23, 2021). "Florence businessman is 1st to announce bid to fill Sen. Leatherman's seat". Post and Courier. Retrieved June 4, 2023.
  5. ↑ Varnier, Julia (November 23, 2022). "Mike Reichenbach announces senate candidacy to fill late Sen. Leatherman's term". WPDE-TV. Retrieved June 4, 2023.
  6. ↑ Jenkins, S. E. (January 25, 2022). "Reichenbach secures GOP nomination for Hugh Leatherman's Senate seat". WMBF-TV. Retrieved June 4, 2023.
  7. ↑ Jenkins, S. E. (March 29, 2022). "Reichenbach wins Leatherman Senate seat in special election". WIS-TV. Retrieved June 4, 2023.
  8. ↑ Jeski, Tyler (March 29, 2022). "Reichenbach declares special election victory, says he will push conservative values". WPDE-TV. Retrieved June 4, 2023.
  9. ↑ "South Carolina Senate's only Black Republican is sworn in". WSPA-TV. Associated Press. April 6, 2022. Retrieved June 4, 2023.
  10. ↑ Taylor, Seth (2024-04-09). "Former Florence County judge challenges Reichenbach for state senate". Post and Courier. Retrieved 2024-04-23.
  11. ↑ Brown, Tonya (2024-03-23). "Former Florence Co. magistrate announces bid for S.C. Senate District 31 seat". WPDE. Retrieved 2024-04-23.
  12. ↑ Harris, Javon L. (April 16, 2024). "Record number of SC women vying for State House. It's not all about abortion". The State. Retrieved April 23, 2024.
  13. ↑ Reynolds, Nick (2026-01-09). "SC governor candidate Alan Wilson names Florence GOP state Sen. Mike Reichenbach his running mate". Post and Courier. Retrieved 2026-01-09.
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