Kevin L. Bryant

Kevin L. Bryant (born February 19, 1967) is an American politician, pharmacist, and businessman. A member of the Republican Party, Bryant served as the  92nd lieutenant governor of South Carolina from January 25, 2017 (after serving in the South Carolina Senate from 2005 to 2017) to January 9, 2019. He lost the Republican gubernatorial nomination in 2018 to Governor Henry McMaster.

Background
Bryant is the son of Clifford W. and Gloria J. Bryant. Bryant has managed, with his brothers and father, Bryant Pharmacy & Supply, an independent pharmacy located in Anderson. He and his wife, Ann have three children. The family have attended a non-denominational New Testament fellowship, where Bryant has served as a deacon. Bryant earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Georgia. He is the president of Bryant Pharmacy and Supply.

South Carolina Senate
Bryant was elected to the South Carolina Senate in 2004 to represent 3rd District based in Anderson County, South Carolina. He was re-elected in 2008, 2012 and 2016. Bryant is the chairman of the Invitations Committee, and he also sits on the Agriculture and Natural Resources, Finance, General and Labor, Commerce and Industry committees.

Bryant, a Republican, considers himself one of the most right-wing politicians in the state. He made national news when he introduced legislation to extend the death penalty to child rapists. The legislation was signed into law by then Governor Mark Sanford in 2006.

In 2008, Bryant attracted controversy after posting an image on his official campaign website of Osama bin Laden and presidential candidate Barack Obama, with the caption saying "the difference between Obama and Osama is just a little B.S."

Additionally, Bryant is an outspoken critic of government spending; he is a founding member of the William Wallace Caucus, a group of conservative senators who favor a laissez-faire approach to government policy and were fervid supporters of former Governor Mark Sanford.
Bryant opposes same-sex marriage and supports a Constitutional amendment that would outlaw the practice, and he believes that man-made global warming is a myth.

Bryant is a Creationist who believes the entire Universe was created in a literal 6 days approximately 6,000 years ago.

Lieutenant Governor of South Carolina (2017–2019)
Nikki Haley resigned as Governor of South Carolina on January 24, 2017 to become United States Ambassador to the United Nations. Henry McMaster, the lieutenant governor, automatically became governor at such time. Since Hugh Leatherman, the Senate president pro tempore, refused to become lieutenant governor per the South Carolina Constitution, Bryant was appointed to fill the pro tempore position on January 25, and ascended to the role of lieutenant governor.

2018 gubernatorial election
Bryant ran for governor in the 2018 Republican Primary. He placed fourth behind Henry McMaster, John Warren, and Catherine Templeton. Bryant finished the race with 6.7% of the vote.  After his defeat, he endorsed businessman John Warren.

Notes

References

External links
South Carolina Legislature - Senator Kevin L. Bryant official SC Senate website
Project Vote Smart - Senator Kevin L. Bryant (SC) profile
Follow the Money - Kevin L. Bryant
2006 2004 campaign contributions

Category:1967 births
Category:21st-century American politicians
Category:Lieutenant Governors of South Carolina
Category:Living people
Category:People from Anderson, South Carolina
Category:South Carolina Republicans
Category:South Carolina state senators
Category:University of Georgia alumni