Penry Gustafson (born May 20, 1970) is a member of the South Carolina Senate. Since 2021, she has represented District 27 (Chesterfield, Kershaw, and Lancaster Counties).[1]
Penry Gustafson | |
|---|---|
| Member of the South Carolina Senate from the 27th district | |
| Assumed office January 2021 | |
| Preceded by | Vincent Sheheen |
| Personal details | |
| Born | May 20, 1970 Columbia, South Carolina, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse |
Todd Gustafson (m. 2007) |
| Children | 3; William, Andrew, and Margaret |
| Parent(s) | Michael C. and Molly S. Brady |
| Residence | Camden, South Carolina |
| Education | Newberry College (BA) University of South Carolina |
| Profession | Politician |
Political career edit
S.C. Senate edit
Elections edit
2020 election edit
In 2020, though taking only one of three counties, Gustafson defeated popular Senate incumbent and two-time gubernatorial candidate, Democrat Vincent Sheheen. She won with just 51% of the vote.[2]
2024 election edit
In 2024, Gustafson will face a Republican primary challenger Allen Blackmon, a Lancaster County councilman. This right flank challenge is prompted, in part, by Gustafson's opposition to the state's abortion ban.[3][4] The winner of that race will go on to face Democratic challenger, Yokima Cureton.[5]
Tenure edit
In early May 2023, Gustafson joined with a Democrat, an Independent and two other Republican women state senators, calling themselves, "The Sister Senators": Sen. Mia McLeod, Sen. Katrina Shealy (R-Lexington), Sen. Penry Gustafson (R-Kershaw), Sen. Margie Bright-Matthews (D-Colleton), and Sen. Sandy Senn (R-Charleston). They blocked male state senators from passing a bill that would ban all abortions in South Carolina.[6][7] On May 23, 2023, Senate Republicans passed another bill that severely restricted abortion rights to six weeks, a time when most women don't even know they're pregnant, exceptions made only in cases of rape, incest, fetal abnormalities or the woman's life or health, and paving the way for a Supreme Court confrontation over its elements.[8]
In September 2023 it was announced that "The Sister Senators" had been selected to receive the John F. Kennedy Profiles in Courage Award. The award was presented in an October 2023 ceremony at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library.[9]
Endorsements edit
In June 2023, Gustafson endorsed Tim Scott in the 2024 United States presidential election.[10]
References edit
- ^ "South Carolina Legislature Online - Member Biography". www.scstatehouse.gov.
- ^ Longtime Sen. Vincent Sheheen loses seat to Penrey Gustafson, WLTX, November 4, 2020. Retrieved May 20, 2023.
- ^ Kenmore, Abraham; Adcox, Seanna (2024-04-02). "SC's GOP 'sister senators' among legislators facing primary opposition • SC Daily Gazette". SC Daily Gazette. Retrieved 2024-04-23.
- ^ Bustos, Joseph (April 3, 2024). "With filing done, the 8 most interesting SC races and storylines to watch in 2024". The State. Retrieved April 22, 2024.
- ^ mhensley@postandcourier.com, Matthew Hensley (2024-04-08). "See who's running for office in Lancaster County in the 2024 election". Post and Courier. Retrieved 2024-04-23.
- ^ Republican women are helping block an abortion ban in South Carolina, WBTW, May 10, 2023. Retrieved May 11, 2023.
- ^ The Unexpected Women Blocking South Carolina's Near-Total Abortion Ban, New York Times, Kate Zernike, May 7, 2023. Retrieved May 20, 2023.
- ^ South Carolina Senate passes abortion ban, setting up Supreme Court showdown, The Hill, Nathaniel Weixel, May 23, 2023. Retrieved May 24, 2023.
- ^ LeBlanc, Steve (September 19, 2023). "'Sister senators' who fought abortion ban to receive JFK Profile in Courage award". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved September 19, 2023.
- ^ Sen. Tim Scott in Spartanburg to announce campaign endorsements". FOX Carolina. June 12, 2023. Retrieved August 22, 2023.
External links edit
- Sister Senators' speeches at John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum Profiles in Courage Award Ceremony
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