Gerald Malloy facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Gerald Malloy
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| Member of the South Carolina Senate from the 29th district |
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| In office November 5, 2002 – November 14, 2024 |
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| Preceded by | Edward Eli Saleeby |
| Succeeded by | JD Chaplin |
| Personal details | |
| Born | October 26, 1961 Chesterfield County, South Carolina |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse |
Davita McFarland
(m. 1989) |
| Children | 4 |
| Alma mater | University of South Carolina (BS, JD) |
| Profession | Attorney |
Gerald Malloy (born October 26, 1961) is a lawyer and a former politician from South Carolina. He served as a state senator for the 29th District from 2002 to 2024. This district includes areas like Chesterfield, Darlington, Lee, and Marlboro Counties. Malloy is a member of the Democratic Party.
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Gerald Malloy's Political Career
Gerald Malloy served as a state senator for 22 years. During his time in the Senate, he worked on many important committees. These included the SC Commission on Indigent Defense. He also served on the Robert Smalls Monument Commission. Senator Malloy was a close friend of Senator Clementa C. Pinckney. Senator Pinckney passed away in the Charleston Church shooting. Malloy also worked as the lawyer for the Pinckney family.
Serving in the South Carolina Senate
How Senator Malloy Was First Elected
In 2002, a special election was held. This was to fill the seat of Senator Edward Eli Saleeby after he passed away. Eight people wanted to become the new senator. This group included Saleeby's son. Gerald Malloy won this election and became the new senator.
2016 Election for District 29
In 2016, Gerald Malloy ran for re-election. No other candidates ran against him. This meant he won the election without a challenge.
2020 Election for District 29
In 2020, Senator Malloy faced a challenge. He ran against a Republican farmer named JD Chaplin. Malloy won this election. He received about 54% of all the votes. In November 2020, Malloy wanted to become the Senate Minority Leader. However, he lost that race to Brad Hutto.
2024 Election and Recount
In 2024, Malloy ran against JD Chaplin again. On election day, Chaplin had a small lead of 287 votes. This difference was less than 1%. Because of this, the law required an automatic recount of the votes. After the recount was finished, Malloy was defeated by Chaplin.
Malloy's Protest and Concession
On November 19, Malloy officially challenged the recount results. He filed a protest with the South Carolina Election Commission. His protest focused on some issues in the Lee County vote count. Malloy's legal team included his son, Donovan.
Chaplin and the head of the Republican Party in South Carolina responded. They said Malloy was trying to deny the election results. Malloy asked for a new election if the issues could not be fixed. A hearing for the protest was planned for December 3, 2024. If Malloy disagreed with the decision, the South Carolina Senate would make the final choice.
However, on December 2, Malloy decided to give up. He withdrew his protest and accepted Chaplin's victory. Malloy stated that he could not fully check the vote data. This was because the state Election Commission did not share it with his expert.
Awards and Special Recognitions
Gerald Malloy has received several awards for his work:
- In 2004, he was named a "Friend of the Libraries" by the South Carolina Library Association.
- In 2016, he received the Champion of State Criminal Justice Reform Award. This award came from the Nation's Criminal Defense Bar.
- In 2024, he earned the Compleat Lawyer Award. This was from the Joseph F. Rice School of Law at the University of South Carolina.
What Gerald Malloy Does Now
After leaving the Senate, Gerald Malloy continues to be active. On January 8, 2025, he was chosen for a new role. The Robert Smalls Monument Commission asked him to lead their fundraising committee. This committee works to raise money to finish the Smalls Monument.
