Theo Mitchell

Last updated

Mitchell sought to emulate the recent successes of black politicians such as Jesse Jackson and Douglas Wilder by announcing his candidacy in January for the South Carolina gubernatorial election of 1990. He faced a Democratic primary challenge from State Senator Ernie Passailaigue, but Mitchell won easily thanks in large part due to the support of black voters. Mitchell went on to lose the general election to Governor Carroll A. Campbell, Jr. because of his inability to attract support from the white state Democratic Party establishment.[ citation needed ]

In 1994 Mitchell was found guilty of seven counts of violating federal tax laws and sentenced to 90 days in jail. Because he was convicted, the South Carolina Senate voted in 1995 to expel Mitchell from the Senate by a vote of 38 to 7. It was the only time that a black member had been expelled from the state Senate. Additionally in response to his expulsion, the state Senate proposed a bill that if a member of the legislature resigns or is expelled, they must repay any compensation received. Upon the completion of his 90-day sentence, he lost the special election to fill his vacant seat. [3] [4] [5]

Subsequent career

Mitchell established the law firm Theo W. Mitchell and Associates in Greenville to specialize in civil rights, human rights and criminal law. As an attorney, he undertook numerous projects for the poor and needy, the consumers, and senior citizens of the county. [6] Mitchell also serves on the board of directors of the LaRouche Movement's Schiller Institute.

Personal life

Mitchell married Greta Knight of Pueblo, Colorado, and they had three daughters. [2] They are both Life Members of the NAACP and active members of Allen Temple A.M.E. Church in Greenville. Member of Omega Psi Phi fraternity. [2]

Honors and recognitions

On April 23, 2025, a portion of a Greenville street was named after Mitchell in a public ceremony. [7] Dignitaries present included Greenville Mayor Knox H. White, Urban League of the Upstate CEO and President Gail Wilson, Greenville County Councilmember Alan Mitchell, and Maybelle Butler Randolph, a sister of the late historian Ruth Ann Butler. [8]

References

  1. ↑ Bainbridge, Judith (November 29, 2017). "Greenville Roots: Theo Mitchell made waves in SC politics". Greenville News. Retrieved March 19, 2024.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 McKinney, Sandra K. (House Clerk), ed. (February 11, 1994). "Biographies of Members". 1994 South Carolina Legislative Manual. Columbia, South Carolina: South Carolina General Assembly. p. 34. Retrieved March 9, 2023.
  3. ↑ OLR Research Report | 2007-R-0718 | October 30, 2007 | TO: Bipartisan Senate Committee of Review | From: Office of Legislative Research | DISCIPLINARY CASES IN OTHER STATE LEGISLATURES—BRIEFING REPORT ON EXPULSION, CENSURE, REPRIMAND, OR NO ACTION | SUMMARY |
  4. ↑ To examine the impact and effectiveness of the Voting Rights Act : Hearing before the Subcommittee on the Constitution of the Committee on the Judiciary, House of Representatives, One Hundred Ninth Congress, first session, October 18, 2005. DIANE. 2006. ISBN   9781422334232.
  5. ↑ "DIGGING IN Mitchell to fight expulsion".
  6. ↑ Top Attorneys of North America
  7. ↑ Martin, Isabel (April 24, 2025). "Greenville street named in honor of former state senator". WSPA-TV. Retrieved April 24, 2025.
  8. ↑ Fitzgerald, Megan (2025-04-24). "Greenville street renamed in honor of Sen. Theo Mitchell". GREENVILLE JOURNAL. Retrieved 2025-04-26.
Theo Mitchell
Member of the South Carolina Senate from the 7th district
In office
1985-1995
Party political offices
Preceded by Democratic nominee for Governor of South Carolina
1990 		Succeeded by
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.