Skip to main content

Columbia Business Monthly

Rep. James Smith Chooses Running Mate

May 14, 2018 02:36PM ● By Kathleen Maris

Representative James Smith announced his selection of three-term Democratic House member from District 44 in Lancaster, Representative Mandy Powers Norrell, as his running mate.

Norrell comes from a long line of farmers and sharecroppers in the Lancaster area, and both of her parents worked for Springs Mills. Norrell was the first in her family to go to college, where she graduated with honors and received a partial scholarship to law school.

Norrell first ran for office in 2008, in a race for State Senate against Mick Mulvaney. It was during this campaign that she met James Smith, who sent volunteers to Lancaster to help her organize her campaign. She was later elected to the State House in 2012 and served as the city attorney for the City of Lancaster from 1999 until 2012, and was the town attorney for the Town of Kershaw from 2010 to 2012. In her private law practice, she practices in the areas of bankruptcy and litigation.

“Mandy is a tireless advocate and one of my closest friends. She has been an outspoken voice for rural interests, drawing on her first-hand experiences growing up in Lancaster County. I know she will continue to speak up for what she believes in - and I could not be more excited about this ticket,” said Legislative Black Caucus Chairman Representative John King.

“Mandy has been a fierce ally and champion for moving this state forward. She is a positive, energizing force, who is easily the most qualified lieutenant governor candidate on the ballot. Mandy shares the same vision for this state that I do, a state that can do more for its people, and a state must move forward to ensure a better South Carolina for all,” said Smith.

“I am honored to be joining this ticket with James Smith as his lieutenant governor running mate. James’ deep sense of service above self is immediately apparent to anyone who meets him. I know that James will be successful in the June primary, and I am confident that, together, we will return the governor’s office to the people of South Carolina in November,” said Norrell.