Mike Gambrell is a Republican politician representing South Carolina's 4th Senate District, which includes portions of Abbeville, Anderson, and Greenwood Counties. Born Michael Wayne Gambrell on January 10, 1958, in Belton, South Carolina, to Aaron and Robbie Gambrell, he is a businessman and self-employed owner of M&R Enterprises. He has served in the South Carolina Senate since 2016 and is actively involved in community service, including as assistant chief of the Friendship Fire Department, past chief of the department, and chair of the Anderson County Legislative Delegation. Gambrell is married to Reene V. Gambrell and is a member of Friendship Baptist Church.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: Graduated from Belton Honea Path High School in 1976 ; earned a B.S. from Clemson University in 1980 .

• Political Experience:

  • South Carolina House of Representatives , 2006–2016; chaired the Insurance Committee and served on Labor, Commerce and Industry; Ethics; and State House committees.
  • Elected to South Carolina Senate in a 2016 special election following the death of Senator Billy O'Dell; re-elected in 2020 and subsequent terms.
  • Current committee assignments: Agriculture and Natural Resources, Banking and Insurance, Family and Veterans' Services, Finance, Medical Affairs.

Notable achievements and positions: Longtime volunteer firefighter since 1972; voted against opening debate on removing the Confederate flag from the State Capitol after the 2015 Charleston church shooting; supported the 2022 Fetal Heartbeat Act banning most abortions after six weeks; focuses on education, job creation, lower taxes, and constituent service.