Heather Bauer is a Democratic member of the South Carolina House of Representatives, representing District 75 in Richland County. Elected in November 2022, she defeated long-time Republican incumbent Kirkman Finlay III by holding him accountable for voting to restrict abortion rights, becoming the only South Carolina Democrat to flip a seat from red to blue that year. She successfully defended her seat in the 2024 general election against Finlay. Bauer serves on the House Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs Committee and attended the 2024 Democratic National Convention as a 2nd Congressional District delegate. Notable achievements include passing bipartisan legislation in her first session, earning the 2024 Champion of Choice award from Planned Parenthood, Legislator of the Year from the SC Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers, Rising Star from SC Women in Leadership, and Joseph Neal Elected Official of the Year from the Young Democrats of South Carolina.

Education and Political Experience

Bauer holds a master's degree from the University of South Carolina. Prior to politics, she worked as an information technology project manager and small business owner, founding Warrior Fitness and Martial Arts in 2015. Her political career began with her 2022 election to the South Carolina House, where she has focused on accountability, reproductive rights, and bipartisan results.