Nick Theodore facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Nick Theodore
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| 85th Lieutenant Governor of South Carolina | |
| In office January 14, 1987 – January 11, 1995 |
|
| Governor | Carroll Campbell |
| Preceded by | Michael Daniel |
| Succeeded by | Bob Peeler |
| Member of the South Carolina Senate from the 6th district |
|
| In office January 8, 1985 – January 14, 1987 |
|
| Preceded by | Proportional representation |
| Succeeded by | Sam Stilwell |
| Member of the South Carolina Senate from the 2nd district |
|
| In office January 13, 1981 – January 8, 1985 |
|
| Preceded by | Charles Garrett |
| Succeeded by | Nell Smith |
| Member of the South Carolina Senate from the 3rd district |
|
| In office January 10, 1967 – January 14, 1969 |
|
| Preceded by | Constituency established |
| Succeeded by | Charles Garrett |
| Member of the South Carolina House of Representatives from the 21st district |
|
| In office January 14, 1975 – January 11, 1977 |
|
| 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 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. Over his long career, he served as a state representative, a state senator, and even as the Lieutenant Governor of South Carolina. He is a member of the Democratic Party and was the last Democrat to hold the Lieutenant Governor position in South Carolina.
Biography
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, he was active in the St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral community in Greenville. He also participated in the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA).
Theodore attended the University of Georgia. He later graduated in 1952 from Furman University with a Bachelor's degree in Business.
Political Career
Nick Theodore spent a total of 24 years serving in the South Carolina state legislature. He was a state representative from 1963 to 1966 and again from 1970 to 1978. He also served as a state senator from 1967 to 1968 and from 1981 to 1986.
In 1986, Theodore was elected as the Lieutenant Governor of South Carolina. He won against Republican Congressman Thomas F. Hartnett. He served two full terms in this role, from 1987 to 1995. During this time, he worked with Republican Governor Carroll Campbell. Even though they belonged to different political parties, Campbell and Theodore worked together effectively. They also remained friends.
Later Political Efforts
After serving as Lieutenant Governor, Theodore ran for governor in 1994. He won the Democratic nomination by defeating Charleston mayor Joseph P. Riley Jr.. However, he lost the general election to David Beasley.
Four years later, in 1998, he tried to become lieutenant governor again. He lost in the general election to the person currently holding the office, Bob Peeler.
In 2002, Theodore took on a new role. He accepted a temporary appointment to the South Carolina Public Service Commission. He served there until 2004. In 2006, his son, Drew Theodore, became the Democratic candidate for Comptroller General in South Carolina.
