meet
Senator Vernon Stephens is a dedicated public servant with a lifelong commitment to serving the people of Senate District 39, first elected to the Senate in 2020. Born and raised in Bowman, Vernon understands the issues facing families and has delivered impactful results for South Carolina in the Senate.
Vernon graduated from St. George High School and South Carolina State University, earning a B.S. degree. He served as President of the Bowman Branch NAACP from 1988 to 2020, on the Orangeburg County School Board from 1997 to 2006, and on the Orangeburg Consolidated School District 5 Board of Trustees from 2010 to 2018. Throughout his career, Vernon has fought to ensure every child in our community has access to quality education, and teachers have the necessary resources, regardless of zip code. Additionally, he has been the Chairman of the Concerned Citizens Legislative District 66 since 2012 and served on the Board of Directors for the Lower Savannah Council of Government and the Orangeburg Regional Economic and Education CDC.
As your State Senator, Vernon Stephens has delivered for us. He has been a relentless advocate for educational equity, securing increased state funding to public schools, raising starting teacher pay, and appropriating funds for academic tutorial services in Orangeburg County. He also ensured funding for revitalizing the Rosenwald School in Dorchester County, demonstrating his commitment to preserving educational history and supporting current educational infrastructure.
In healthcare, Vernon has championed the expansion of mental health services, supported the elimination of the sales tax on feminine products, and worked to increase funding for rural healthcare services. His efforts have included securing substantial investments for the state's Veterans’ Nursing Homes, ensuring our heroes receive the dignity and care they deserve.
On the economic front, Senator Stephens has been instrumental in securing major infrastructure improvements across the state, including funding for bridge repairs and rural road safety programs. He has also advocated for policies that support small businesses, increase access to capital for minority and women entrepreneurs, and expand high-speed internet in rural areas. His dedication to economic development has helped create jobs and strengthen communities throughout District 39.
Senator Stephens has also been a strong voice for equality and justice. He co-sponsored legislation to increase tax deductions for law enforcement officers and emergency workers, supported community policing initiatives, and advocated for hate crimes legislation. His efforts have been instrumental in promoting fairness and safety in our communities.
Vernon lives in Bowman, SC, with his wife of 45 years, Hilda. Together, they have raised five children: Daimon Rush, Edmond T., John K., Sr., Vernon G., and Spencer L. He is a loving father and grandfather, deeply rooted in family and community service values.
Senator Vernon Stephens continues to steadfastly advocate for equality, education, and economic growth, ensuring that the needs of Senate District 39 are heard and met in Columbia.
Committee Assignments:
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Agriculture and Natural Resources
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Corrections and Penology
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Family and Veterans' Services
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Judiciary
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Transportation
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Adequate Access to Internet in Rural Areas
Vernon Stephens is working to expand broadband internet access in rural areas of Senate District 39. He is working to improve broadband infrastructure and increase connectivity to empower rural communities with essential digital resources.
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Ensuring Every Child Has Access to A Great Education in South Carolina
Vernon Stephens continues to improve public schools in South Carolina to ensure every student receives a quality education. He is fighting for increased school funding, reduced classroom sizes, and expanded access to advanced coursework.
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Paying Our Teachers What They’re Worth
Vernon Stephens is working to raise teacher pay to attract and retain talented educators crucial to student success. He believes in recognizing teachers’ hard work and dedication by providing fair and competitive compensation.
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Supporting Our Farmers
Supporting our local farmers and promoting sustainable agriculture practices is a top priority for Senator Stephens. He advocates for policies that protect local farms, protect farmers from being bought up by Chinese multinational corporations, and policies that strengthen the state's agricultural sector so food can be grown and sourced right here at home.
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Protecting Our rights
Senator Stephens stood up against unprecedented attacks on women’s reproductive health care. He will continue to stand up for our rights and ensure women have access to the care they need.
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Keeping Communities Safe
Everyone deserves to feel safe in their home and in their community. Senator Stephens has worked to keep families safe by fighting laws that allow criminals to access firearms, and voted for funding for local first responders and police so they have the resources they need to keep us safe.
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Expanding Healthcare Options
Senator Stephens supports the Medicaid Expansion, which would use federal tax dollars we are already paying to expand health care coverage to hundreds of thousands of South Carolinians. Without Medicaid expansion, we have seen rural hospitals close and access to quality care decline. He will continue to fight to expand rural health care options, to ensure all insurance protects those with pre-existing conditions, and that those who need good care can access it. Senator Stephens also supports protecting access to IVF and birth control for all South Carolina women.