Harvey Smith Peeler Jr. is a Republican state senator representing District 14 in South Carolina, which includes Cherokee, Spartanburg, Union, and York Counties. Born on September 8, 1948, in Gaffney, South Carolina, he is a dairyman, cattle farmer, small business owner, father, grandfather, and member of Gaffney First Baptist Church. He served as a Lieutenant in the United States Army from 1970-1972 and is involved in organizations like the American Legion, Masons, Shriners, and American Jersey Cattle Association. Notable achievements include serving as Senate Majority Leader from 2005 to 2016 , President of the Senate from 2019 to 2021, and current Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee since 2021, where he advocates for fiscal conservatism and balanced budgets. He began his career as a Democrat but switched to Republican in 1989.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: B.S. from Clemson University, 1970.
• Political Experience:
  • Cherokee County Council, 1977-1980.
  • South Carolina State Senate, District 14, since 1981 .
  • Current committee roles: Chairman of Finance, Education, Ethics, Interstate Cooperation, Legislative Oversight, Medical Affairs, Transportation; Chairman of Joint Bond Review Committee and State House Committee; member of State Fiscal Accountability Authority.