J. Todd Rutherford is the House Democratic Leader and a Democratic Representative from District 74 in Richland County, South Carolina. A native of Columbia, Rutherford has represented his district for over 20 years and has been a leading voice for Democrats and progressives in the state.

Rutherford founded the Rutherford Law Firm in 1998, where he continues to practice law representing South Carolinians in criminal cases, accidents, workers compensation, and medical malpractice. He is a member of the South Carolina Bar Association and serves as a national board member of the NAACP Special Contributions Fund.

Among his notable achievements, Rutherford was one of the first lawmakers to advocate for removing the Confederate flag from the State House grounds, filing legislation for its removal in 2007—eight years before it was eventually taken down following the massacre at Emanuel AME Church. He has been an advocate for criminal justice reform, legalizing medical marijuana, and protecting women's freedoms.

He lives in Columbia with his wife, Megan, and three sons: Ty, Teagan, and Tripp.

Education

• Bachelor of Arts from Howard University
• Juris Doctor from the University of South Carolina

Political Experience

• Elected to the South Carolina House of Representatives in 1998
• Elected Minority Leader in 2013, a position he continues to hold
• Serves on the House Judiciary Committee
• Serves on the House Legislative Oversight Committee
• Advocate for criminal justice reform and progressive causes throughout his 20+ years of service