Senator High Leatherman passes away
November 12, 2021
On Friday November 12, South Carolina Senator High Leatherman passed away at the age of 90.
The 31st District of South Carolina, which he represented, has Florence as its largest city. He was first elected to the South Carolina Senate as a Democrat in 1981. Leatherman switched parties and became a Republican in 1994.
Since 2001, Leatherman has effectively controlled South Carolina’s budget as Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee. He was widely considered as one of the most powerful people in South Carolina politics.
Governor Henry McMaster:
“A powerful force for the progress and prosperity of our people has left us. For over fifty years, Hugh Leatherman poured his life into our state and we are the better for it. He loved his work and kept his word. He never quit. We will miss him. May God bless him and his family.”
U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham:
“Senator Leatherman was a giant in the South Carolina Senate. When it came to the needs of South Carolina – from the mountains to the sea and everywhere in between – he was always at the forefront of breakthrough change.
“He had a statewide perspective that served South Carolina well. His leadership was indispensable in recruiting Boeing to South Carolina, and he was a great champion of the Port of Charleston.
“Senator Leatherman loved his hometown and the Pee Dee. He was the most effective voice for his region of the state one could have ever imagined. He was a tireless advocate always focused on building for a stronger and better future.
“Senator Leatherman was a leader. He was a great friend and a kind and caring man. His leadership, mentorship, and steady hand will be missed.
“Today, South Carolina has lost a legend.”
Rob Godfrey, former spokesperson for Governor Nikki Haley
“Senator Leatherman gave a lifetime of service to the people of the Pee Dee. His impact is broad and deep, far and wide, and will be felt for generations. It is hard to imagine the senate reconvening without Senator Leatherman, but I hope his colleagues, families and friends take comfort in the acknowledgment from every part of the state that Hugh Leatherman made a difference.”
South Carolina Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Bob Morgan:
“On behalf of the South Carolina business community, I am saddened by the news of Senator Leatherman’s passing but grateful for his many years of service. From bolstering the Port to bringing major companies to our state and the thousands of jobs that came with them, Senator Leatherman understood what it would take to help our state grow and thrive, and he dedicated his life to making it happen.”
South Carolina Chamber of Commerce Chair Kim Wilkerson (South Carolina State President for Bank of America):
“Senator Leatherman’s decades of service to the people of South Carolina and his leadership in the Senate has been critical in moving South Carolina forward. He will be missed. While our state has lost a political giant, his family has lost a husband, father and grandfather. I send them my deepest sympathy.”
