Biography
Tim Scott, born on September 19, 1965, in North Charleston, South Carolina, is a Republican senator representing South Carolina. Raised in a single-parent household, he overcame early academic challenges with the support of his mother and a mentor who introduced him to conservative principles. Scott's journey from modest beginnings to successful entrepreneur and public servant underscores his belief in personal responsibility and opportunity.
Appointed to the U.S. Senate in 2013 by Governor Nikki Haley to fill the vacancy left by Jim DeMint, Scott became the first African American senator from South Carolina and the first to serve in both the U.S. House and Senate. He won the special election in 2014, was elected to a full term in 2016, and was reelected in 2022. In 2025, Scott became the longest-serving Black senator in U.S. history and the first to chair a full committee, leading the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
In May 2023, Scott announced his candidacy for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination but suspended his campaign in November 2023 due to low polling numbers. Following the 2024 elections, he was elected chair of the National Republican Senatorial Committee.
Education and Political Experience
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Education:
- Attended Presbyterian College on a partial football scholarship .
- Transferred to Charleston Southern University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Political Science in 1988.
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Political Experience:
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Charleston County Council : Elected in 1995, becoming the first Black Republican elected to any office in South Carolina since the late 19th century.
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South Carolina House of Representatives : Represented the 117th district.
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U.S. House of Representatives : Represented South Carolina's 1st congressional district.
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U.S. Senate : Appointed in 2013, subsequently elected in 2014, 2016, and 2022.
Notable Achievements and Positions
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Opportunity Zones: Authored legislation creating Opportunity Zones, passed as part of the 2017 tax reform package, aimed at spurring investment in distressed communities.
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Committee Leadership:
- Chairman of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
- Member of the Senate Finance Committee.
- Member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
- Member of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship.
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2024 Presidential Campaign: Declared candidacy for the Republican presidential nomination in May 2023; suspended campaign in November 2023.
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National Republican Senatorial Committee: Elected chair following the 2024 elections.
Senator Scott's career reflects a commitment to conservative principles, economic development, and addressing issues of race and opportunity in America.
