Todd Rutherford facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Todd Rutherford
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|---|---|
| Minority Leader of the South Carolina House of Representatives | |
| Assumed office January 8, 2013 |
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| Preceded by | Harry L. Ott Jr. |
| Member of the South Carolina House of Representatives from the 74th district |
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| Assumed office December 1, 1998 |
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| Preceded by | Alma W. Byrd |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
James Todd Rutherford
October 10, 1970 Columbia, South Carolina, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouses |
Naida Harris
(m. 2008; div. 2017)Megan Pinckney
(m. 2020) |
| Children | 2 |
| Education | Howard University (BA) University of South Carolina, Columbia (JD) |
James Todd Rutherford was born on October 10, 1970, in Columbia, South Carolina. He is an American politician and a member of the Democratic Party.
He serves in the South Carolina House of Representatives. He has represented the 74th District since 1999. Currently, he is the Minority Leader of the House. This means he leads the group of Democratic members in the House.
Contents
Early Life and School
Todd Rutherford finished high school at W.J. Keenan High School in 1988. He then went to Howard University, where he earned his bachelor's degree in 1992.
After college, he worked for Congressman Robin Tallon. Later, he studied law at the University of South Carolina School of Law. He earned his law degree (called a Juris Doctor) in 1996.
His Work as a Lawyer
In 1998, Todd Rutherford started his own business. He founded the Rutherford Law Firm.
Serving in the South Carolina Government
In 1998, Todd Rutherford was elected to the South Carolina General Assembly. This is the state's main law-making body. He represents House District 74.
When he first started, he worked on the Military, Medical, and Municipal Affairs Committee. In 2002, he joined the Judiciary Committee. Today, he is part of the Ways and Means Committee and the Ethics Committee.
In 1999, he was recognized as the Young Democrat of the year.
Important Actions in Government
In 2007, Todd Rutherford suggested a new law. This law would have replaced the Confederate battle flag with the South Carolina state flag. His bill did not get a hearing at that time.
However, in June 2015, the Confederate flag was removed. This happened with strong support from the Democratic members of the House.
In 2014, Rutherford introduced the "Put Patients First Act." This was a new kind of law for South Carolina.
He also helped create the Freedom Caucus of South Carolina. He formed this group with other House members, Deon Tedder and Roger Kirby. This group is different from another conservative group with a similar name.
Becoming a Leader
In 2013, Todd Rutherford was chosen to be the Minority Leader. This is a very important role. It means he is the main spokesperson and leader for the Democratic members in the House.
In 2024, another politician, Kambrell Garvin, challenged him for the role. But Todd Rutherford was re-elected as Minority Leader.
