Richard J. Cash (born March 31, 1960) is an American businessman and politician. He has been serving as a member of the South Carolina Senate from the 3rd district since 2017. A member of the Republican Party, Cash is known for his conservative stances on LGBT rights and reproductive rights.

Early Life and Education:

• Born in Jacksonville, Florida, Cash graduated magna cum laude from Furman University in 1982 with a BA in business management. He was also a member of Phi Beta Kappa.
• In 1990, he earned a Master of Arts in Theological Studies (MATS) from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary.

Political Career:

• Since 2017, Cash has represented the 3rd Senate district (northern Anderson County) in the South Carolina Senate. He won a special election to fill the unexpired term of Kevin L. Bryant, who became Lt. Governor of South Carolina.
• Cash has a history of anti-LGBT views, opposing hate crime bills that include gender and sexual identities. He consistently sponsors legislation to restrict the rights of transgender youth.
• He is also known as one of South Carolina’s staunchest abortion foes. In 2023, he played a key role in pushing for tighter abortion restrictions in the state.

Personal Life:

• Cash is a Presbyterian and a member of Christ Church, EPC in Anderson.
• Beyond politics, he is an owner and manager of rental properties.

Endorsements:

• In 2024, Cash endorsed Stewart Jones of the House Freedom Caucus for South Carolina’s 3rd congressional district after Congressman Jeff Duncan announced he would not seek re-election.

Electoral History:

• In 2010, Cash ran for U.S. Representative in the Republican primary but ended up in a runoff.