Rex Fontaine Rice is a Republican state senator representing District 2 in South Carolina, covering Greenville and Pickens Counties, with a home base in Easley. Born on May 9, 1957, in Pensacola, Florida, he is a businessman who owns Fontaine Construction Corporation and Rice-Cleveland Construction Corporation. He married Ruth Britts on April 17, 1982; they have two daughters, Toni and Meredith. Rice is a member and deacon at Easley Presbyterian Church and serves on the Boy Scouts of America Advisory Board. Notable positions include service on key Senate committees such as Judiciary, Education, Labor, Commerce and Industry, and Transportation. He previously chaired the Pickens County Public Services Commission.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: Graduated from Christ Church Episcopal School; attended Anderson College and the University of South Carolina.
• Political Experience:
  • South Carolina State Senate, District 2 : 2016–present .
  • South Carolina House of Representatives, District 26: 1996–2010.
  • Candidate, U.S. House of Representatives, District 3: 2010.
  • Candidate, South Carolina State Senate, District 2: 2012.
  • Former leadership roles: 2nd Vice Chair, Ways and Means Committee; Vice Chair, Operations and Management Committee .