Chris Murphy (South Carolina politician)
Chris Murphy | |
|---|---|
| Member of the South Carolina House of Representatives from the 98th district | |
| Assumed office 2011 | |
| Preceded by | Annette D. Young |
| Personal details | |
| Born | May 31, 1968 Honolulu, Hawaii, United States |
| Party | Republican |
| Spouse | Maite' D. (m: August 6, 1994) |
| Children | 2 children, Christopher A. and Jackson F. |
| Residence | North Charleston, South Carolina |
| Alma mater | The Citadel (B.A., 1990), Mississippi College (J.D., 1995) |
| Profession | Attorney |
Chris Murphy (born May 31, 1968) is an American politician. He is a member of the South Carolina House of Representatives from the 98th District (parts of Dorchester Country), serving since 2011.[1] He is a member of the Republican party.[2] In 2025, Murphy resigned his seat, effective January 2026.[3]
Early life, education and career
Murphy was born on May 31, 1968 in Honolulu, Hawaii to Barbara and Patrick Murphy. They raised him in Summerville, South Carolina, where he attended Summerville High School.[4] In 1990, he received his B.A. from the Citadel, and he received his J.D. from Mississippi College in 1995.
Prior to his political career, Murphy worked as a prosecutor with the First Judicial Circuit of South Carolina. During this time, he worked under Walter M. Bailey, Jr. who was Solicitor at that time.[4]
Political career
Local elected office
Murphy served on Dorchester County Council from 2002 - 2010, as its Chairman in 2005.[5]
South Carolina State House
Murphy is a member of the South Carolina House of Representatives from the 98th District (parts of Dorchester Country), serving since 2011. He serves on the House Ways and Means Committee.
2025 resignation
On August 20, 2025, Murphy submitted his resignation from the 98th District House seat, effective January 5, 2026.[6]
Special election
The South Carolina State Election Commission published projected special election dates, with a November 4, 2025 primary and a January 6, 2026 Special election.[7]
Electoral data
2010 South Carolina House of Representatives
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Chris Murphy | 2,491 | 52.5 | |
| Republican | Larry Hargett | 2,256 | 47.5 | |
| Total votes | 4,747 | 100.0 | ||
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Chris Murphy | 8,318 | 63.0 | |
| Democratic | Christine Jackson | 4,877 | 36.9 | |
| Other | Write-in | 16 | 0.1 | |
| Total votes | 13,211 | 100.0 | ||
| Republican hold | ||||
2012 South Carolina House of Representatives
Murphy ran uncontested in his primary and general election in 2012.
2014 South Carolina House of Representatives
The Republican primary featured a repeat challenge from Larry Hargett.
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Chris Murphy | 1,367 | 52.8 | |
| Republican | Larry Hargett | 1,220 | 47.2 | |
| Total votes | 2,587 | 100.0 | ||
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Chris Murphy | 5,482 | 62.8 | |
| Democratic | Rebekah Patrick | 3,222 | 36.9 | |
| Other | Write-in | 24 | 0.3 | |
| Total votes | 8,728 | 100.0 | ||
| Republican hold | ||||
2016 South Carolina House of Representatives
Murphy ran uncontested in his primary and general election in 2016.
2018 South Carolina House of Representatives
The Republican primary featured a repeat challenge from Larry Hargett.
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Chris Murphy | 1,729 | 60.3 | |
| Republican | Larry Hargett | 1,138 | 39.7 | |
| Total votes | 2,867 | 100.0 | ||
Murphy ran uncontested in the general election.
2020 South Carolina House of Representatives
Murphy ran uncontested in his primary and general election in 2020.
2022 South Carolina House of Representatives
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Chris Murphy | 1,819 | 68.3 | |
| Republican | Greg Ford | 845 | 31.7 | |
| Total votes | 2,664 | 100.0 | ||
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Chris Murphy | 6,770 | 57.8 | |
| Democratic | Sydney Clinton | 4,925 | 42.1 | |
| Other | Write-in | 14 | 0.1 | |
| Total votes | 11,709 | 100.0 | ||
| Republican hold | ||||
Personal life
Murphy is married to Maite' D., and has two children. He is an Episcopalian.[1]
References
- ^ a b "Representative Chris Murphy". SCStateHouse.gov. Retrieved April 7, 2024.
- ^ "Chris Murphy". Project Vote Smart. Retrieved April 25, 2015.
- ^ "Lowcountry Representative announces retirement from SC House". wltx.com. 2025-08-20. Retrieved 2025-08-21.
- ^ a b Mancini, Ralph (2022-10-20). "Meet the candidates: Chris Murphy (SC House)". Post and Courier. Retrieved 2024-04-08.
- ^ "South Carolina Legislature Online - Member Biography". www.scstatehouse.gov. Retrieved 2025-08-22.
- ^ "Dorchester County legislator resigns from SC House seat • SC Daily Gazette". SC Daily Gazette. Retrieved 2025-08-21.
- ^ Brams, Sophie (August 20, 2025). "Dorchester County lawmaker Chris Murphy retiring from South Carolina House". WCBD-TV. Retrieved August 20, 2025.