Nonpartisan · Data from OpenStates / Plural Policy · South Carolina
Republican
· State Senator
Carlisle Kennedy
Represents District 23 in the State Senate.
Votes with Republicans
88%
on 66 party-line votes · Senate Republicans median 84%
Cast a vote
87%
Yea or Nay on 611 of 701 roll calls · Senate median 94%
Their bills that became law
8 of 26
as a primary sponsor, this session · Republicans median 7
Roll calls on record
701
126th General Assembly
Votes and bills updated Oct 11, 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 Carlisle Kennedy 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 Carlisle Kennedy 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. Carlisle Kennedy is circled.
Always on the Republican sideAlways on the Democratic side
Times they broke with their party
8 of 66 party-line votes.
H3924 · Hemp-derived ingestible
In plain English Requires regulation of the sale of hemp-derived consumable products.
Senate: To Adopt The Conference Report · 2026-06-25 · Passed 27–11 · most Republicans 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 Lay On The Table Amendment Number 61b · 2026-04-23 · Failed 17–26 · most Republicans voted the other way
H3924 · Hemp-derived ingestible
In plain English Requires regulation of the sale of hemp-derived consumable products.
Senate: 2nd Reading · 2026-03-19 · Failed 15–25 · most Republicans voted the other way
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 · most Republicans voted the other way
S0012 · Santee Cooper Joint Project Authorization
Senate: 2nd Reading · 2025-04-03 · Passed 25–18 · most Republicans voted the other way
S0244 · Tort Reform
Senate: To Carry Over Amendment Number 3a · 2025-03-18 · Passed 25–17 · most Republicans voted the other way
S0244 · Tort Reform
Senate: To Recede For 15 Minutes · 2025-03-18 · Passed 26–18 · most Republicans voted the other way
S0244 · Tort Reform
Senate: To Lay On The Table Amendment Number 1a · 2025-03-06 · Failed 19–25 · most Republicans voted the other way
Closest votes they cast
Roll calls decided by the fewest votes, one per bill.
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
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
Democrats 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.
Kent WilliamsDemocrat · District 30 · 99 shared contested votes
33%
Darrell JacksonDemocrat · District 21 · 94 shared contested votes
32%
Russell OttDemocrat · District 26 · 99 shared contested votes
29%
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 (90 in all). Gaps are months the chamber wasn’t voting.
← South Carolina Delegation
YeaYeaNayYeaYeaNayYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaNayNayYeaYeaAbsentAbsentAbsentAbsentAbsentAbsentAbsentAbsentAbsentAbsentAbsentAbsentAbsentAbsentAbsentAbsentAbsentAbsentAbsentAbsentAbsentAbsentYeaYeaYeaNayNayYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYea
Their bills, from filing to law
Bills Carlisle Kennedy 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.
Introduced26
Out of committee9
Passed one chamber9
Passed both chambers8
Became law8
Never left committee17
For comparison, the median Republican member of the Senate has 7 bills that became law this session.
Lexington County School Board Partisan Elections
Provide That The Election Of School Trustees In Lexington County School Districts 1, 2, And 4 Be On A Partisan Basis Beginning In 2028.
Passed one chamberReferred to Lexington Delegation · 2026-03-24
Fraternal Order of Police Midlands Lodge
A Senate Resolution To Recognize And Honor Fraternal Order Of Police Midlands Lodge #1 Upon The Fiftieth Anniversary Of Their Charter.
Became lawIntroduced and adopted · 2026-03-10
Momma Rabbit's Nibbles and Sips
A Senate Resolution To Congratulate Momma Rabbit's Nibbles And Sips Upon The Occasion Of Its Tenth Anniversary And To Commend The Restaurant For Its Many Years Of Dedicated Service To The Lexington Community And The People And The State Of South Carolina.
Became lawIntroduced and adopted · 2026-03-10
Small Business Property Tax Relief
Amend The South Carolina Code Of Laws By Adding Section 12-37-221 So As To Create A Ten Thousand Dollar Property Tax Credit For Small Businesses.
Not out of committeeReferred to Committee on Finance · 2026-02-04
Incitement to Riot
Amend The South Carolina Code Of Laws By Adding Section 16-5-5 So As To Define Person, Funding Entity, And Riot; By Amending Section 16-5-90, Relating To Preservation Of Property Owner's Right Of Action Against Participants In Mob Or Riot Resulting In Damage To Property, So…
Not out of committeeScrivener's error corrected · 2026-01-21
Sanctuary Jurisdictions and Release of Illegal Aliens
Amend The South Carolina Code Of Laws By Adding Section 8-31-10 So As To Create The "prohibition Of Sanctuary Jurisdictions Act"; By Adding Section 8-31-20 So As To Provide That Funds Appropriated By The State Must Not Be Obligated Or Expended For A County, Municipality,…
Not out of committeeScrivener's error corrected · 2026-01-21
Dialysate and Dialysis Product Safety
Amend The South Carolina Code Of Laws By Amending Section 15-73-10, Relating To Liability Of Seller For Defective Product, So As To Include Chinese-made Dialysate Or Dialysis Products Are Per Se Deemed To Be In A Defective Condition And Unreasonably Dangerous; By Adding Section 39-24-70…
Not out of committeeScrivener's error corrected · 2026-01-21
Fluoride Ban
Amend The South Carolina Code Of Laws By Amending Section 44-55-20, Relating To Water, Sewage, Waste Disposal Definitions, So As To Define "fluoride"; And By Adding Section 44-55-35 So As To Prohibit The Addition Of Fluoride To A Public Water System Or To Water That…
Not out of committeeScrivener's error corrected · 2026-01-14
Children
Amend The South Carolina Code Of Laws By Adding Section 6-1-200 So As To Prohibit State Agencies, Political Subdivisions, Or Entities That Are Supported In Whole Or In Part By Public Funds From Using Any Public Funds To Host Or Provide Drag Story Hours Or…
Not out of committeeReferred to Committee on Judiciary · 2026-01-13
Unintentional Motor Vehicle Death
Amend The South Carolina Code Of Laws By Adding Section 16-5-135 So As To Provide That A Motor Vehicle Operator Who Unintentionally Causes Injury Or Death While Fleeing A Mob Or Riot Is Not Criminally Or Civilly Liable For The Injury Or Death As Long…
Not out of committeeReferred to Committee on Judiciary · 2026-01-13
Recess
Amend The South Carolina Code Of Laws By Amending Section 59-10-10, Relating To Physical Education Standards, So As To Provide That Students In Kindergarten Through Eighth Grade Must Be Provided A Minimum Of Sixty Minutes Of Outdoor Physical Activity Each Day.
Not out of committeeReferred to Committee on Education · 2026-01-13
Sales Tax on Baby Supplies
Amend The South Carolina Code Of Laws By Amending Section 12-36-2120, Relating To Exemptions From Sales Tax, So As To Exempt Baby Formula, Baby Food, And Baby Clothes.
Not out of committeeReferred to Committee on Finance · 2026-01-13
Genetic Information
Amend The South Carolina Code Of Laws By Adding Section 39-1-100 So As To Provide That A Company Or Individual May Not Sell An Individual's Genetic Material, To Provide Written Consent Must Be Obtained Through An Independent Document, And To Provide For Private Rights Of…
Not out of committeeReferred to Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry · 2026-01-13
Parental Control
Amend The South Carolina Code Of Laws By Adding Section 39-1-100 So As To Provide That Certain Online Companies Must Provide Parents An Option To Opt Out Of Certain Content On Their Platforms.
Not out of committeeReferred to Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry · 2026-01-13
State Benefits Forfeiture
Amend The South Carolina Code Of Laws By Adding Section 9-1-110 So As To Provide That Certain State Retirement Benefits And Health Benefits May Be Forfeited If State Employees Are Convicted Of Any Crime Involving Criminal Sexual Misconduct With A Minor Or The Possession Or…
Not out of committeeReferred to Committee on Finance · 2026-01-13
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)
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)
H5538 · 2026-05-13
Guarantee Banking Act (Senate: 2nd Reading)
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 701 total roll-call votes this session).
Primary Office
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