Michael Wayne Gambrell (born January 10, 1958) is an American politician and businessman who has represented South Carolina's 4th Senate District since 2016. A member of the Republican Party, he previously served in the South Carolina House of Representatives from the 7th District from 2006 to 2016.
Early life and education Gambrell was born January 10, 1958 in Belton, South Carolina to Aaron and Robbie Gambrell. He graduated with a B.S. from Clemson University in 1980.
S.C. House of Representatives (2006-2016) Gambrell served in the South Carolina House of Representatives from 2006 through 2016, representing the 7th district (parts of Anderson County).
In 2015, in the wake of the Charleston church shooting, Governor Nikki Haley called on the state legislature to open debate about the removal of the Confederate flag from the grounds of the South Carolina Capitol. Gambrell was in the minority of members who voted against opening debate. In July 2015, Haley signed a bill into law authorizing the flags removal.
S.C. Senate Gambrell was first elected to the South Carolina Senate during a special election in 2016 when incumbent William H. O'Dell died in office. He has represented South Carolina's 4th Senate district (portions of Abbeville, Anderson, and Greenwood Counties).
In 2022, Gambrell voted for the Fetal Heartbeat Act, legislation that banned abortion in the state after six-weeks.
Personal life Gambrell is self-employed at M&R Enterprises.
Electoral history
Year Office Type Party Main opponent Party Votes for Gambrell Result Swing Ref. Total % . 2006 S.C. Representative Rep. primary Republican Dan Harvell Republican 1,477 53.83% 1st N/A N/A General Republican Ron Gilreath Democratic 4,300 56.04% 1st N/A Hold 2008 General Republican Richard Kelly Democratic 8,232 70.26% 1st +14.22% Hold 2010 General Republican Write-in N/A 6,216 99.58% 1st +29.32% Hold 2012 General Republican Write-in N/A 9,457 99.31% 1st -0.27% Hold 2014 General Republican Write-in N/A 6,290 99.59% 1st +0.28% Hold 2016 S.C. Senator Rep. primary Republican Rockey Burgess Republican 45.50% 1st N/A N/A Rep. primary runoff Republican Rockey Burgess Republican 57.00% 1st N/A N/A Special Republican Write-in N/A 1,246 91.75% 1st N/A Hold Rep. primary Republican Rockey Burgess Republican 6,075 64.95% 1st +7.95% N/A General Republican Write-in N/A 28,064 99.15% 1st +7.40% Hold 2020 General Republican Jose Villa Democratic 31,129 72.71% 1st -26.44% Hold
References
External links Mike Gambrell Senate District 4