Wendell Gilliard facts for kids

Wendell G. Gilliard (born July 1, 1954) is an American politician. He has worked as a steelworker and a leader in a workers' union. As a member of the Democratic Party, Gilliard serves in the South Carolina House of Representatives. He represents the 111th District, which includes parts of Charleston County.

Early Life and Education

Wendell Gilliard was born in Charleston, South Carolina. His father worked at the Charleston Air Force Base. Wendell has five brothers and sisters. Sadly, his mother passed away when he was five years old.

He grew up in Charleston and later moved to West Ashley. Wendell went to Burke High School and then Rivers High School, graduating in 1973. After high school, he studied at the Bell and Howell School of Technology, which is now called DeVry University. He also took part in a special program for steelworkers at Tennessee State University.

Career Journey

After three years at Bell & Howell, Gilliard started working at his brother's retail store. When the store closed in 1981, he began a new job. He worked as a plant operator for Mobil Chemical and later for Rhodia.

In 1982, his co-workers elected him as the vice president of Local 863 of the United Steelworkers union. He later became the president of this union.

Political Career

Wendell Gilliard has served in local government and in the state legislature.

Local Government Role

Charleston City Council

• In 1998, Gilliard was elected as a Charleston City Councilman. This means he helped make decisions for the city.
• In 1999, he supported a plan to call the Ku Klux Klan a "terrorist organization." This was a strong statement against hate groups.
• He was re-elected without anyone running against him in 2002.
• In 2003, Gilliard left a city council meeting when an atheist gave a prayer.
• While on the city council, he raised concerns about unsafe working conditions at Rhodia, where he used to work.

South Carolina House of Representatives

Serving the 111th District

• In 2008, Gilliard ran for a seat in the South Carolina House of Representatives. He ran for the 111th district and won without any opponents.
• In 2015, he became more widely known. This was after the Killing of Walter Scott and the Charleston church massacre. He worked to pass laws against hate crimes.
• He also supported efforts in 2015 to take down the Confederate flag from the State Capitol grounds.
• In 2021, Gilliard suggested a new law. It would fine or jail hotel owners and landlords who do not tell people about bed bug problems.
• In 2023, after the Titan submersible implosion, he shared his sadness. He asked Governor Henry McMaster to lower flags to honor those who died.
• In 2024, Gilliard continued to push for the Clementa C. Pinckney Hate Crimes Bill to become law. This bill aims to punish crimes motivated by hate.
• On March 28, 2024, Gilliard was in a car crash and went to the hospital.

Other Elections

Considering US House of Representatives

• In 2013, Gilliard thought about running for the United States House of Representatives. This was for a special election in South Carolina's 1st congressional district. He decided not to run in the end.

Running for State Senate

• On March 13, 2023, Gilliard announced he would run for the South Carolina Senate. This was for District 42.
• He received support from groups like Our Revolution and the International Longshoremen's Association.
• In the Democratic Primary election on September 5, Gilliard received the most votes. He then went to a runoff election on September 19.
• After a close runoff and a recount, another candidate, Deon Tedder, was declared the winner.

Special Advisor Role

• On December 15, 2023, the new Mayor of Charleston, William S. Cogswell Jr., named Gilliard as a special advisor. His role is to help with "quality of life and community outreach" for the city.

Personal Life

Wendell Gilliard has three children: two sons and one daughter. He is divorced.