South Carolina Chief Justice claps at the back of House chambers during Gov. Henry McMaster's State of the State address. Beside him are justices John Few, George James, Garrison Hill, and Letitia Verdin. (Photo courtesy of SC House photographer Sam Holland)
COLUMBIA — Incumbent South Carolina Supreme Court Justice John Few announced on social media Tuesday that he’s dropping his bid for re-election, prompting the race’s cancelation and the application process starting over.
Few, in August, became the first sitting justice in more than 20 years to face a challenge for keeping his seat on the state’s highest court. His withdrawal comes the day before the General Assembly was scheduled to choose between him and three others.
They are former House Speaker Jay Lucas; chief judge of the Administrative Law Court, Ralph King “Tripp” Anderson; and state Court of Appeals Judge Blake Hewitt.
Few’s 10-year term is set to expire July 31. He will stay on the bench until his replacement is elected.
Under state law, if an incumbent judge drops out, the process must begin again in case more candidates want to apply.
“It has become clear to me over recent weeks that I do not — and will not — have the votes to be reelected to the Supreme Court of South Carolina,” Few wrote in a statement. “I accept this reality with only the most positive thoughts and feelings about what the future holds. I take pride in everything I have done over my 26 years of judicial service; no regrets.”
Few, who lives in the Upstate town of Mountain Rest, was sworn in to the high court in 2016. His election filled the vacancy left when then-Chief Justice Jean Toal retired from full-time work.
Before joining the Supreme Court, Few was chief judge of the state Court of Appeals and a district court judge.
Few, in his written statement, said he plans to return to a career as a practicing lawyer “with the same energy and enthusiasm that has defined my career as a judge and justice.”
This is a developing story. Check back for details.
Courtesy of South Carolina Daily Gazette
