Vaughn to Retire at End of Term
Filed Under Caucus, Top News, Vaughn
Points to Recent Health Problems as Reason for Decision
Columbia, SC - After 18 years of service in the General Assembly, Senator Lewis Vaughn (R-Greenville) has decided not to seek re-election in November. “In September I had the best physical of my life, but since then a series of health related issues have arisen, and I don’t think it is fair to my family, my constituents or my colleagues to seek re-election in the fall,” says Senator Vaughn.
“The people of District 5 need and deserve active representation, and that is part of what brings me to this decision,” explains Vaughn.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed serving the people of the Greer and Greenville community, and although I will not be seeking re-election, it is my intent to stay engaged in the issues facing the upstate.”
Senator Vaughn was elected to the Senate in a 2006 special election to fill the seat left vacant by the retirement of J. Verne Smith. He serves as a member of the Correction & Penology Committee, Fish, Game, and Forestry Committee, General Committee, Judiciary Committee, and the Rules Committee.
Prior to being elected to the Senate, Vaughn served for 16 years (1989-2006) in the South Carolina House of Representatives. His tenure in
the House included 12 years on both the Operations and Management Committee and the Ways and Means Committee. Senator Vaughn also served as the Chairman of the Greenville Delegation.
Vaughn’s service in the General Assembly is best described as that of a “strong conservative,” who acted as a watchdog for the taxpayer.
Among his legislative accomplishments Senator Vaughn cites his work to secure funding for the rebuilding of railroad bridges throughout the state and his efforts to stem local governments ability to incur debt with the eight percent debt limit. Senator Vaughn is looking forward to completing this legislative term and working with his colleagues to maintain a conservative agenda in the Senate.
“I learned of Lewis’ decision to retire with sadness,” says long time friend and fellow Senate member Mike Fair (R-Greenville). “Our delegation and the Senate will be losing a conservative stalwart. Senator Vaughn’s success with the Greenville Hospital System Board legislation is just the latest example of his legislative effectiveness.”
“Senator Vaughn remains a vital part of the Senate Republican Caucus and we look forward to working with him throughout the remainder of the session,” says Senate Majority Leader Harvey Peeler (R-Cherokee).
Senator Vaughn, with the announcement of his retirement, joins Senators Hawkins, Gregory, Drummond, Short and Patterson, as those not seeking re-election in November.
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