Hugh Leatherman | |
|---|---|
 | |
| President pro tempore of the South Carolina Senate | |
| In office January 25, 2017 – January 8, 2019 | |
| Preceded by | Kevin L. Bryant |
| Succeeded by | Office Abolished |
| In office June 18, 2014 – January 23, 2017 | |
| Preceded by | Yancey McGill |
| Succeeded by | Kevin L. Bryant |
| Member of the South Carolina Senate from the 31st district | |
| In office January 8, 1985 – November 12, 2021 | |
| Preceded by | Constituency established |
| Succeeded by | Mike Reichenbach |
| Member of the South Carolina Senate from the 11th district | |
| In office January 14, 1981 – January 8, 1985 Serving with Ralph Henry Ellis, Frank Hilton McGill, Thomas Earl Smith, Jr. | |
| Preceded by | John Waller |
| Succeeded by | William Richard Lee |
| Personal details | |
| Born | April 14, 1931 Lincoln County, North Carolina, U.S. |
| Died | November 12, 2021 (aged 90) Florence, South Carolina, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic (before 1996) Republican (1996–2021) |
| Spouses | Joyce Jerline Smith
(m. 1952; div. 1977)Jean Helms Allen (m. 1978) |
| Children | 6 |
| Education | North Carolina State University (BS) |
Hugh Kenneth Leatherman Sr. (April 14, 1931 – November 12, 2021) was an American politician who served as a Republican member of the South Carolina Senate from 1981 until his death in 2021. The 31st District, which he represented, is anchored in Florence, South Carolina. From 2001 until his death, Leatherman effectively controlled South Carolina's budget as the Senate Finance Chairman and was considered one of the most powerful people in South Carolina politics. He negotiated the deal to bring Boeing to South Carolina in 2009 and secured funding for the deepening of the Charleston Harbor in 2011. At the time of his death, Leatherman served as Vice Chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee. He served as President Pro Tempore of the South Carolina Senate for all but one day from June 18, 2014, to January 8, 2019. The position was abolished and replaced with the President of the Senate. Prior to this change, Leatherman was capable of being both President of the Senate and Senate Finance Chairman. He was also a member of the State Budget and Control Board until it was abolished in 2014.
Leatherman orchestrated the Republican takeover of the South Carolina Senate in 2001. Prior to 1996, Leatherman was a member of the Democratic Party and switched parties during the Republican Revolution. Leatherman was often criticized by fellow Republicans for his willingness to work with Democratic lawmakers.