Thomas E. “Tommy” Pope, born on July 24, 1962, is an accomplished figure in South Carolina politics. As a Republican, he has held several significant positions throughout his career.

1. Legal Career:

   • From 1993 to 2006, Pope served as the Solicitor (equivalent to a district attorney) for the Sixteenth Judicial Circuit in South Carolina. During this time, he represented the people of Union and York counties.
   • Notably, Pope prosecuted Susan Smith in 1995 for the tragic drowning death of her two children.

2. Political Journey:

   • Since 2010, Tommy Pope has been a member of the South Carolina House of Representatives, representing the 47th District.
   • He currently holds the position of Speaker pro tempore within the South Carolina House of Representatives.

3. Education and Professional Life:

   • Pope earned his Bachelor of Science (B.S.) and Juris Doctor (J.D.) degrees from the University of South Carolina.
   • Beyond politics, he is a managing partner at the Elrod Pope Law Firm in Rock Hill, South Carolina.

Despite narrowly missing out on a congressional seat in 2017, Tommy Pope continues to be an influential voice in South Carolina politics.