Nonpartisan · Data from OpenStates / Plural Policy · South Carolina
Democratic
· State Senator
Ed Sutton
Represents District 20 in the State Senate.
Votes with Democrats
91%
on 80 party-line votes · Senate Democrats median 95%
Cast a vote
84%
Yea or Nay on 585 of 697 roll calls · Senate median 94%
Their bills that became law
8 of 13
as a primary sponsor, this session · Democrats median 16
Roll calls on record
697
126th General Assembly
Votes and bills updated Oct 5, 2026 from LegiScan (CC BY 4.0), which republishes the legislature’s own records. Profile details from OpenStates / Plural Policy. Figures cover 126th General Assembly.
How Ed Sutton votes
A party-line vote is a roll call where most voting Democrats and most voting Republicans took opposite sides. Absences and not-voting are never counted. Same method as our Congress pages.
Where Ed Sutton sits in the Senate
Each dot is one member of the Senate, placed by how often they voted on the Democratic side of party-line votes. Ed Sutton is circled.
Always on the Republican sideAlways on the Democratic side
Times they broke with their party
7 of 80 party-line votes.
S0832 · University Campus Events Zoning
In plain English Prohibits counties and municipalities from using zoning rules to prohibit, restrict, condition, or delay events held on state university campuses.
Senate: To Concur · 2026-05-14 · Passed 35–7 · most Democrats voted the other way
H5126 · Budget
In plain English Appropriates funds and provides revenues for South Carolina state government operations for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026.
Senate: To Adopt Amendment Number 24 · 2026-04-22 · Passed 24–17 · most Democrats voted the other way
S0026 · Watercraft Liability Insurance
In plain English Requires owners of watercraft over 70 horsepower to carry at least $50,000 in liability insurance and establishes penalties for non-compliance.
Senate: 2nd Reading · 2026-02-03 · Passed 24–19 · most Democrats voted the other way
H3497 · Liquor liability
Senate: 2nd Reading · 2025-04-15 · Passed 35–5 · most Democrats voted the other way
S0244 · Tort Reform
Senate: 2nd Reading · 2025-03-26 · Passed 35–7 · most Democrats voted the other way
S0244 · Tort Reform
Senate: To Recede For 15 Minutes · 2025-03-18 · Passed 26–18 · most Democrats voted the other way
S0244 · Tort Reform
Senate: To Set For Special Order · 2025-02-27 · Passed 34–6 · most Democrats voted the other way
Closest votes they cast
Roll calls decided by the fewest votes, one per bill.
H3021 · Small Business Regulatory Freedom Act
In plain English Requires legislative approval for regulations with estimated costs of one million dollars or more over five years, and makes related changes to regulatory review and judicial processes.
Senate: To Concur · 2026-05-14 · Failed 22–22
H5126 · Budget
In plain English Appropriates funds and provides revenues for South Carolina state government operations for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026.
Senate: To Adopt Amendment No, 4 · 2026-04-21 · Passed 21–20
H3924 · Hemp-derived ingestible
In plain English Requires regulation of the sale of hemp-derived consumable products.
Senate: To Lay On The Table Amendment Number 20 · 2026-03-18 · Passed 19–18
S0052 · Driving under the influence
In plain English Increases penalties for driving under the influence, requires victim impact panels, creates a second-degree felony DUI offense, and revises testing and license suspension procedures.
Senate: To Lay On The Table Amendment Number 45 · 2026-02-04 · Failed 22–23
H5683 · Redistricting, Congressional Districts
In plain English Establishes new congressional election districts for South Carolina and repeals the previous district boundaries.
Senate: Rule 15b · 2026-05-26 · Failed 20–24
Republicans they vote with most
Share of contested roll calls (the losing side got at least 10%) where both voted and landed on the same side. Unanimous votes are left out, because on those everyone agrees.
Luke RankinRepublican · District 33 · 105 shared contested votes
60%
Jeff ZellRepublican · District 36 · 111 shared contested votes
55%
Brian AdamsRepublican · District 44 · 124 shared contested votes
48%
Their session, month by month
Dark bars are roll calls they were recorded on each month; the red part is the ones without a Yea or Nay (112 in all). Gaps are months the chamber wasn’t voting.
← South Carolina Delegation
AbsentYeaNayNayNayYeaNayYeaYeaYeaYeaNayNayYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaNayYeaNayNayNayNayYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaNayYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaNayYeaYeaYeaYeaNayYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaNayYeaYeaNay
Their bills, from filing to law
Bills Ed Sutton was a primary sponsor of this session. Most bills from either party never leave committee; in Illinois many never get past the Assignments or Rules committee.
Introduced13
Out of committee8
Passed one chamber8
Passed both chambers8
Became law8
Never left committee5
For comparison, the median Democratic member of the Senate has 16 bills that became law this session.
University Campus Events Zoning
In plain English Prohibits counties and municipalities from using zoning rules to prohibit, restrict, condition, or delay events held on state university campuses.
Official synopsis: Amend The South Carolina Code Of Laws By Amending Section 53-1-20, Relating To College And University Campuses Exempt From The Prohibition On Sunday Public Sports, So As To Define Terms Pertaining To Campus Events And Land Use Approval, To Provide That No County Or Municipality…
Became lawEffective date 05/18/26 · 2026-06-05
Solicitation of Charitable Funds
In plain English Increases charity exemption thresholds, limits filing requirements for commercial co-venturers, requires disclosure of charity names and purposes, and prohibits misrepresenting state registration as endorsement.
Official synopsis: Amend The South Carolina Code Of Laws By Amending Section 33-56-50, Relating To Organizations Exempt From Registration Provisions, So As To Increase Thresholds For Charities Requesting Exemptions; By Amending Section 33-56-70, Relating To Contracts Between Professional Solicitors And Charitable Organizations, So As To Limit Filing…
Became lawEffective date 05/18/26 · 2026-06-05
Prohibition of sale of nitrous oxide to minors
Amend The South Carolina Code Of Laws By Adding Article 25 To Chapter 53, Title 44 So As To Prohibit The Sale Of Nitrous Oxide Or Nitrous Oxide Products In The State Of South Carolina, With Exceptions; To Authorize The Department Of Public Health To…
Became lawEffective date 05/18/26 · 2026-06-05
South Carolina Aquarium Day
A Senate Resolution To Congratulate The South Carolina Aquarium Upon The Occasion Of Its Twenty-fifth Anniversary And To Recognize May 19, 2025, As "south Carolina Aquarium Day" In South Carolina.
Became lawConcurred in House amendment and enrolled · 2026-05-14
South Carolina Adventure Route
A Senate Resolution To Recognize And Honor The South Carolina Adventure Route For Its Contributions To Outdoor Recreation, Tourism, And The Promotion Of South Carolina's Natural Beauty, And To Express Support For Responsible Adventure Travel And Motorcycling Throughout The State.
Became lawIntroduced and adopted · 2026-04-14
Stephen Colbert
A Senate Resolution To Recognize And Honor Stephen Tyrone Colbert, A Native Son Of South Carolina, Upon The Occasion Of The Final Episode Of The Late Show With Stephen Colbert, And To Commend Him For His Outstanding Contributions To American Television, Comedy, And Public Discourse.
Became lawIntroduced and adopted · 2026-03-25
Transportation Sales Tax
Amend The South Carolina Code Of Laws By Amending Section 4-37-30, Relating To Sales And Use Taxes Or Tolls As Revenue For Transportation Facilities, So As To Provide That The Governing Body Of A County May Vote To Impose A Tax By Enacting An Ordinance…
Not out of committeeReferred to Committee on Finance · 2026-03-05
Tuition Gap Scholarship Program
Amend The South Carolina Code Of Laws By Adding Section 59-150-385 So As To Create The Tuition Gap Scholarship Program For The Purpose Of Ensuring That Eligible Students Receiving Life Scholarships, Hope Scholarships, Or Palmetto Fellows Scholarships Have Their Remaining Tuition Costs Fully Covered During…
Not out of committeeReferred to Committee on Education · 2026-02-25
Tuskegee Airmen
A Senate Resolution To Commend The Tuskegee Airmen On The Anniversary Of Their Activation; Honor Their Extraordinary Legacy Of Service, Valor, And Perseverance; And Recognize The Courage, Sacrifice, And Enduring Legacy Of South Carolina's Own Tuskegee Airmen.
Became lawIntroduced and adopted · 2026-02-19
Transportation Network Companies
Amend The South Carolina Code Of Laws By Amending Section 58-23-1610, Relating To Definitions Applicable To The Transportation Network Company Act, So As To Revise The Definition Of "personal Vehicle"; And By Amending Section 58-23-1610, Relating To Definitions, So As To Revise The Definition Of…
Not out of committeeReferred to Committee on Transportation · 2026-02-11
Removal of Certain Public Records
Amend The South Carolina Code Of Laws By Adding Section 60-2-60 So As To Provide That Public Eviction Notices That Did Not Result In An Order Of Eviction Or Writ Of Ejectment Be Removed From The Public Index If An Order Of Eviction Or Writ…
Not out of committeeReferred to Committee on Judiciary · 2026-01-28
Ports Authority Board
Amend The South Carolina Code Of Laws By Amending Section 54-3-10, Relating To The State Ports Authority's Board Membership, So As To Provide That At Least One Of The Members Must Be A Resident Of Berkeley, Charleston, Or Dorchester County.
Not out of committeeReferred to Committee on Transportation · 2025-05-08
CT Lowndes Agency Anniversary
A Senate Resolution To Congratulate C. T. Lowndes & Company Insurance Agency Upon The Occasion Of Its One Hundred Seventy-fifth Anniversary And To Commend The Agency For Its Many Years Of Dedicated Service To The Horry County Community And The People And The State Of…
Became lawIntroduced and adopted · 2025-02-25
“In plain English” lines are written by ThePolitibase with AI (Claude), from the official synopsis only; the synopsis is the authoritative text. Descriptions are the legislature’s own synopsis. Bill data from LegiScan, CC BY 4.0.
Loading committees…
H5126 · 2026-08-11
Budget (Senate: To Adopt The Conference Report)
H3021 · 2026-06-25
Small Business Regulatory Freedom Act (Senate: To Adopt The Conference Report)
H4248 · 2026-06-25
Food labeling (Senate: To Adopt The Conference Report)
H4763 · 2026-06-25
Helping Alleviate Lawful Obstruction (HALO) Act (Senate: To Grant Free Conference Powers)
H4763 · 2026-06-25
Helping Alleviate Lawful Obstruction (HALO) Act (Senate: To Grant Free Conference Powers)
H4763 · 2026-06-25
Helping Alleviate Lawful Obstruction (HALO) Act (Senate: To Adopt The Free Conference Report)
H3924 · 2026-06-25
Hemp-derived ingestible (Senate: To Adopt The Conference Report)
S0011 · 2026-06-25
Paid Family Leave Eligible State Employee (Senate: To Adopt The Conference Report)
H3387 · 2026-06-25
Unlawful occupants of property (Senate: To Adopt The Conference Report)
S0428 · 2026-06-25
Fraudulent Check Expungement (Senate: To Override The Veto)
H4069 · 2026-06-25
Patient-Friendly Billing (Senate: To Adopt The Conference Report)
H3558 · 2026-06-25
Commissioners to Article V Convention (Senate: To Override The Veto)
S0052 · 2026-06-25
Driving under the influence (Senate: To Grant Free Conference Powers)
H4300 · 2026-06-25
Retirement System for Judges and Solicitors (Senate: 2nd Reading)
H4635 · 2026-06-25
Physical Fitness Services (Senate: To Adopt The Conference Report)
H4709 · 2026-06-25
US produced iron and steel (Senate: To Adopt The Conference Report)
S1043 · 2026-06-25
Civil Air Patrol Leave Act (Senate: To Concur)
S0238 · 2026-06-25
Sine Die (Senate: To Override The Veto)
H5683 · 2026-05-26
Redistricting, Congressional Districts (Senate: Rule 15b)
H5683 · 2026-05-26
Redistricting, Congressional Districts (Senate: To Continue The Bill)
H5683 · 2026-05-22
Redistricting, Congressional Districts (Senate: To Lay On The Table Amendment Number 19)
H5683 · 2026-05-22
Redistricting, Congressional Districts (Senate: Motion To Suspend Rule 15)
H5683 · 2026-05-22
Redistricting, Congressional Districts (Senate: Motion To Suspend Rule 15)
H3021 · 2026-05-14
Small Business Regulatory Freedom Act (Senate: To Concur)
H4591 · 2026-05-14
Stop Harm from Addictive Social Media (Senate: 3rd Reading)
S0832 · 2026-05-14
University Campus Events Zoning (Senate: To Concur)
S0508 · 2026-05-14
Monuments (Senate: To Adopt The Conference Report)
H5018 · 2026-05-14
Agency Head Salary Commission, Governor and Lt. Governor (Senate: 3rd Reading)
S0688 · 2026-05-14
DEW UI Tax Code (Senate: To Adopt The Conference Report)
H4709 · 2026-05-14
US produced iron and steel (Senate: 3rd Reading)
H4763 · 2026-05-14
Helping Alleviate Lawful Obstruction (HALO) Act (Senate: 3rd Reading)
H3558 · 2026-05-13
Commissioners to Article V Convention (Senate: 3rd Reading)
S0222 · 2026-05-13
Utility terrain vehicle (Senate: To Adopt Amendment)
S0222 · 2026-05-13
Utility terrain vehicle (Senate: To Adopt Amendment Number Rfh-1)
S0222 · 2026-05-13
Utility terrain vehicle (Senate: To Concur)
H5538 · 2026-05-13
Guarantee Banking Act (Senate: To Lay On The Table)
H4042 · 2026-05-13
Ivermectin (Senate: 2nd Reading)
H5217 · 2026-05-13
Deer tags (Senate: 3rd Reading)
H5120 · 2026-05-13
Fingerprinting, offenses by minors (Senate: 2nd Reading)
S0688 · 2026-05-13
DEW UI Tax Code (Senate: To Adopt Amendment)
H4589 · 2026-05-13
Education Capital Improvements Sales and Use Tax (Senate: 3rd Reading)
H4303 · 2026-05-13
Cigarettes for heating (Senate: 3rd Reading)
H3570 · 2026-05-13
Disclosure of Economic Interests (Senate: 3rd Reading)
H4706 · 2026-05-13
Racing facility (Senate: 3rd Reading)
H5122 · 2026-05-12
Internet and Communications Service Providers Equipment (Senate: 3rd Reading)
S0454 · 2026-05-12
Charter School Accountability (Senate: To Adopt Amendment)
S0961 · 2026-05-12
Red drum, saltwater fish, deer hunting (Senate: To Adopt Amendment)
S0883 · 2026-05-12
Sine Die 2026 (Senate: To Lay On The Table Amendment Number Rfh-2)
S0883 · 2026-05-12
Sine Die 2026 (Senate: To Lay On The Table Amendment Number Rfh-3)
S0883 · 2026-05-12
Sine Die 2026 (Senate: To Concur)
H4476 · 2026-05-12
SC-Bahamas Trade Commission (Senate: 2nd Reading)
H4382 · 2026-05-12
Nonprescription Ephedrine Products (Senate: 2nd Reading)
S0831 · 2026-05-12
SCDOT Modernization (Senate: To Adopt The Conference Report)
H4000 · 2026-05-12
Alcohol licensing (Senate: 2nd Reading)
H3569 · 2026-05-12
Domestic violence in rental properties (Senate: 3rd Reading)
H5113 · 2026-05-12
Manufactured and modular homes (Senate: 3rd Reading)
H5122 · 2026-05-07
Internet and Communications Service Providers Equipment (Senate: 2nd Reading)
H5208 · 2026-05-07
Sales Tax Exemption (Senate: 2nd Reading)
H4679 · 2026-05-07
South Carolina Drone Regulation and Public Safety Act (Senate: 2nd Reading)
H4163 · 2026-05-07
South Carolina High School Athletic Association (Senate: 3rd Reading)
Complete voting record from LegiScan (showing the 60 most recent of 697 total roll-call votes this session).
Primary Office
Sources:
Follow Ed Sutton
One email a week, only when there’s something: every time they broke with their party, and the closest votes they cast. Free, and you can stop any time.