Nick Theodore facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Nick Theodore
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| 85th Lieutenant Governor of South Carolina | |
| In office January 14, 1987 – January 11, 1995 |
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| Governor | Carroll Campbell |
| Preceded by | Michael Daniel |
| Succeeded by | Bob Peeler |
| Member of the South Carolina Senate from the 6th district |
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| In office January 8, 1985 – January 14, 1987 |
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| Preceded by | Proportional representation |
| Succeeded by | Sam Stilwell |
| Member of the South Carolina Senate from the 2nd district |
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| In office January 13, 1981 – January 8, 1985 |
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| Preceded by | Charles Garrett |
| Succeeded by | Nell Smith |
| Member of the South Carolina Senate from the 3rd district |
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| In office January 10, 1967 – January 14, 1969 |
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| Preceded by | Constituency established |
| Succeeded by | Charles Garrett |
| Member of the South Carolina House of Representatives from the 21st district |
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| In office January 14, 1975 – January 11, 1977 |
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| Preceded by | Constituency established |
| Succeeded by | Philip Bradley |
| Personal details | |
| Born | September 16, 1928 Greenville, South Carolina, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Emilie Demosthenes |
| Children | 3 |
| Education | University of Georgia Furman University (BS) |
Nick Andrew Theodore, born on September 16, 1928, is a former American politician from South Carolina. He made history as the first Greek-American to be elected to the South Carolina State Legislature. Theodore served in various important roles, including a state representative, a state senator, and the 85th Lieutenant Governor of South Carolina from 1987 to 1995. He is a member of the Democratic Party and was the last Democrat elected as South Carolina’s Lieutenant Governor.
Contents
Who is Nick Theodore?
Early Life and Education
Nick Theodore was born in Greenville, South Carolina. His parents, Andrew and Lula Theodore, were immigrants from Greece. He was the youngest of five children in his family.
Growing up, Nick was very involved with the St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Greenville. He also participated in the Sons of Pericles, which is a youth group connected to the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA).
He attended the University of Georgia before graduating from Furman University in 1952. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business.
Starting in Politics
Nick Theodore spent a total of 24 years serving in the South Carolina General Assembly. This is the main law-making body for the state of South Carolina.
In 1986, he was elected as the Lieutenant Governor. He won against Republican Congressman Thomas F. Hartnett. He served two full terms in this role.
Working with the Governor
As Lieutenant Governor, Nick Theodore worked alongside Republican Governor Carroll Campbell. Even though they belonged to different political parties, they worked together very well.
Interestingly, Governor Campbell had defeated Theodore in an election for the United States House of Representatives in 1978. Despite this past, they remained friendly and worked effectively for the state.
Later Political Career
After Governor Campbell finished his two terms, Nick Theodore decided to run for governor in 1994. He won the Democratic nomination by defeating Charleston mayor Joseph P. Riley Jr..
However, Theodore lost the general election to David Beasley, who was Governor Campbell's chosen successor. Four years later, in 1998, he tried to become lieutenant governor again. He lost that election to the person who was already in office, Bob Peeler.
Public Service and Family
In 2002, Nick Theodore came out of retirement for a short time. He accepted a temporary job on the South Carolina Public Service Commission. He served there until 2004.
His son, Drew Theodore, also became involved in politics. In 2006, Drew was the Democratic candidate for the statewide office of Comptroller General in South Carolina.
