Greenville Senator to Retire at End of Term

Columbia (WLTX) -- Senator Lewis Vaughn of Greenville says he will not seek re-election to the General Assembly in November, citing health problems as the reason for the end of his 18-year run.

"In September, I had the best physical of my life, but since then, a series of health-related issues have arisen, and I don?t think it is fair to my family, my constituents or my colleagues to seek re-election in the fall," says Sen. Vaughn.

"I have thoroughly enjoyed serving the people of the Greer and Greenville community, and although I will not be seeking re-election, it is my intent to stay engaged in the issues facing the Upstate.?

Vaughn was elected to the Senate in a 2006 special election to fill the seat left vacant by the retirement of J. Verne Smith. He serves as a member of the Correction & Penology Committee, Fish, Game, and Forestry Committee, General Committee, Judiciary Committee, and the Rules Committee.

Prior to being elected to the Senate, Vaughn served for 16 years in the South Carolina House of Representatives. His tenure in the House included 12 years on both the Operations and Management Committee and the Ways and Means Committee. Senator Vaughn also served as the Chairman of the Greenville Delegation.

Vaughn described his service in the General Assembly as that of a "strong conservative."

Vaughn says his accomplishments include his work to secure funding for the rebuilding of railroad bridges throughout the state, and his efforts to stem local governments ability to incur debt with the eight percent debt limit.

Vaughn, with the announcement of his retirement, joins Senators Hawkins, Gregory, Drummond, Short and Patterson, as those not seeking re-election in November.