James Teeple
James Teeple | |
|---|---|
 Teeple in 2025 | |
| Member of the South Carolina House of Representatives from the 116th district | |
| Preceded by | Matt Leber |
| Assumed office November 11th, 2024 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | December 20, 1979 |
| Party | Republican |
| Education | Missouri State University |
James E. Teeple is an American politician, businessman, US Navy veteran, and member of the South Carolina House of Representatives from the 116th District, which encompasses portions of Charleston & Colleton Counties. Teeple is a member of the House Republican Caucus.
Community Service
Teeple is an advocate for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. He became involved in this effort after his daughter’s life was saved by St. Jude when she was diagnosed with a rare brain tumor (ETMR) at 3 years old. He was a recipient of the St. Jude Hope Award in 2025 after helping to raise millions of dollars for pediatric cancer research.
Teeple is a member of the Charleston County Volunteer Rescue Squad where he was honored with the 2022 Lifesaver of the Year Award.
Political career
South Carolina State House of Representatives
In September 2023, Republican incumbent Matt Leber announced his candidacy for South Carolina State Senate District 41. Teeple announced his run for the seat held by the incumbent shortly afterward.
Endorsements
Teeple endorsements included:
- Americans for Prosperity
- National Rifle Association
- Gun Owners of America
- South Carolina Citizens for Life
- South Carolina Professional Firefighters
- International Association of Firefighters
- South Carolina Education Association
- Stand for Health Freedom
- South Carolina Fraternal Order of Police
- St. Andrews Firefighters- Local 3697
- James Island Professional Firefighters- Local 5385
- St. Johns Firefighters- Local 3883
- Charleston Firefighters Association- Local 61
- Charleston Mayor William Cogswell
- Charleston County Sheriff Carl Ritchie
- National Federation of Independent Business
- Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce
- Concerned Veterans For America
- Medal of Honor Recipient- Major General James Livingston
- Lt. General Colby Broadwater
- South Carolina Association of Taxpayers
- Actor Kirk Cameron
Teeple serves on the Education and Public Works Committee, as well as the Regulations, Administrative Procedures, Artificial Intelligence, and Cybersecurity Committee, where he chairs the Education and Administrative Subcommittee.
Key legislation that Teeple has championed includes the Regulatory Freedom Act, SCDOT Modernization Act, Educator Assistance Act, and the Fentanyl Homicide Bill. Teeple was named the 2026 Legislator of the Year by the Professional Firefighters Association of South Carolina.
Electoral history
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | James Teeple | 12,576 | 51.2% | |
| Democratic | Charlie Murray | 11,984 | 48.8% | |
| Write-in | 11 | 0.04% | ||
| Total votes | 24,571 | 100.0% | ||
| Republican hold | ||||
References
- ↑ "Charleston Republican state senator gets challenger from GOP right flank over abortion ban". Post and Courier. 2023-09-17. Retrieved 2024-03-07.
- ↑ dstancavage (2024-11-06). "AFP-South Carolina Congratulates Slate of Endorsed State Legislative Candidates on Election Night Victory". Americans for Prosperity. Retrieved 2024-11-09.
- ↑ "Endorsements". JamesTforSC.com. Retrieved 2024-11-16.
- ↑ "State House of Representatives, District 116". enr-scvotes.org. Retrieved 2025-03-28.