Kambrell Garvin facts for kids

Kambrell Houston Garvin is an American lawyer and politician. He is from South Carolina. He is a member of the Democratic Party. He represents District 77 in the South Carolina House of Representatives. This district is in Richland County, South Carolina. He was first elected in 2018.

Early Life and School

Kambrell Garvin was born in Columbia, South Carolina. His mother, Dr. Sonji Garvin Baxter, raised him. When he was young, Garvin had a problem with his speech. His mother then became a speech specialist to help him.

Garvin went to Winthrop University. He studied Political Science. He also learned about African American Studies and Sociology. He earned his degree in 2013.

Later, he got a Master's degree in Education. This was from Johns Hopkins University School of Education in 2016. He worked as a public school teacher for three years. He taught in Walterboro, South Carolina.

In 2019, Garvin earned a law degree. He studied at the University of South Carolina School of Law. After that, he became a lawyer. In 2022, he started his own law firm.

Political Journey

Garvin started getting involved in politics at age 10. He helped organize his first voter registration campaign. He took part in many political events. These included campaigns, rallies, and conventions. He focused on education and social justice. He was also part of Teach For America. This is a group that works to make education fair for everyone.

Serving in the South Carolina House

Garvin first ran for office in 2018. He was 26 years old. He ran against Joe McEachern for District 77. This was in the Democratic Primary election.

Garvin won the runoff election. He beat McEachern by a large margin. He then won the General election. He started his term as a state representative in January 2019.

Garvin works on important committees. These include the House Education and Public Works Committee. He also serves on the Legislative Oversight Committee.

As a state lawmaker, Garvin has suggested new laws. One bill would stop job applications from asking about past convictions. He also introduced a bill to stop hair discrimination. This is like the CROWN Act in California. Garvin has also been a leader in Richland County. He is the Treasurer of the House Minority Caucus.

In December 2024, Garvin ran for House Minority Leader. He challenged Todd Rutherford but did not win.

2020 Presidential Election

Garvin supported Elizabeth Warren in the 2020 Democratic Party presidential primaries. He helped her campaign in the South Carolina Primary. He said he liked her ideas. He especially liked her plan to help with student debt.

2023 State Senate Election

A special election was held for State Senate District 19. This happened after Senator John L. Scott Jr. passed away. The election date was set for January 2, 2024.

On August 29, 2023, Garvin announced he would run for this seat. He officially signed up on September 1, 2023. Garvin finished second in the Democratic Primary. This election took place on October 24.

Family Life

Garvin is married to Monique Patton Garvin. They live in Northeast Columbia, South Carolina.