G. Murrell Smith Jr. is a Republican representing District 67 in the South Carolina House of Representatives since 2001. He serves as the 61st Speaker of the House, elected unanimously in May 2022 after defeating a challenger in a 102-17 vote in December 2024. A native of Florence who grew up in Sumter, he is an attorney known for his roles in key committees and vocal support for restricting abortion access post-Dobbs.

Education

• Graduated from Wilson Hall in Sumter in 1986.
• Earned a Bachelor of Arts in History and Government from Wofford College in 1990.
• Received a Juris Doctor from the University of South Carolina School of Law in 1993.

Political Experience

• Practiced law in Sumter and served as a part-time public defender .
• Elected to the South Carolina House in 2000, representing District 67 continuously since 2001, often in uncontested races.
• Served on the House Judiciary Committee, rising to first vice chairman.
• Chaired the House Ways and Means Committee , House Ethics Committee , and South Carolina Judicial Merit Selection Commission .
• Elected Speaker of the House in April 2022, assuming office May 12, 2022.