Deon Tedder facts for kids

Deon T. Tedder is an American lawyer and politician. He is a member of the Democratic Party. He currently serves in the South Carolina Senate. He represents District 42. He is known for his work in the state government.

Deon Tedder's Political Journey

Deon Tedder is a member of the South Carolina Senate. He represents District 42. In the Senate, he helps make decisions on many important topics. He serves on committees like Judiciary, Fish Game and Forestry, Family and Veterans' Services, Corrections and Penology, and Medical Affairs. These committees deal with laws about courts, nature, families, prisons, and health.

Becoming a State Representative in 2020

In June 2020, Deon Tedder ran for a seat in the South Carolina House of Representatives. He won against Jeff Wilder in the first Democratic vote. Then he won a second vote against James Johnson. In the main election, he defeated Rodney Travis. This made him a member of the House of Representatives for District 109. He served in this role until 2024.

While in the House, he worked on the Education and Public Works Committee. He also served on the Operations and Management Committee. He was the Treasurer for the South Carolina Legislative Black Caucus. This group works on issues important to Black communities.

Tedder helped pass a law that supported historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). These are colleges that were first created to educate Black students. He also supported clean energy and electric vehicle technology. He had concerns about a bill that would change how people get out of jail before trial. He believed it might not be fair to everyone.

Tedder also helped start a group called the Freedom Caucus of South Carolina. He formed this group with other House members, Todd Rutherford and Roger Kirby. This group had different ideas from another conservative group with a similar name.

Running for the State Senate in 2023

On March 12, 2023, Tedder announced he would run for the South Carolina Senate. The District 42 seat became open when Marlon Kimpson left to take a new job with the President's team. This meant there would be a special election to fill the seat.

Many groups and people supported Tedder in his Senate race. He received support from Conservation Voters of South Carolina. Former South Carolina District 42 Senator Marlon Kimpson also supported him.

The Democratic primary election happened on September 5. Other candidates included State Representatives JA Moore and Wendell Gilliard. Tedder and Gilliard moved on to a second vote because no one won enough votes in the first round.

On September 19, Tedder was ahead by a very small number of votes. This meant the votes had to be counted again. Officials in Charleston County and Dorchester County checked the votes again. On September 21, Tedder was officially declared the winner. He had also been supported by SC Congressman Jim Clyburn.

Tedder then won against Republican Rosa Kay in the special election. This election took place on November 7, 2023. He is currently the youngest person serving in the South Carolina Senate.

2024 State Senate Election

In March 2024, Tedder decided to run for re-election to the South Carolina Senate. He faced Kim Greene in the Democratic Primary. Tedder won against Greene. After that, he ran unopposed in the main election. This meant he kept his Senate seat without anyone running against him.