Mike Reichenbach Facing A Downhill Battle For SC Senate District 31: But Will His Election Benefit The Underserved?

On March 29, 2022, residents of Florence County will be asked to choose between two candidates for the District 31 senate seat. The seat became vacant in November 2021, after the death of Hugh Leatherman (R) . He had served in the state Senate since 1981.

The two candidates vying for the open seat are Republican Mike Reichenbach and Democratic candidate Suzanne La Rochelle. Whoever emerges victorious will hold the seat through the end of Leatherman’s unexpired term (i.e. the end of 2024). Republicans currently have a 29-16 majority in the state Senate. South Carolina has a Republican state government trifecta. A trifecta exists when one political party simultaneously holds the governor’s office and majorities in both state legislative chambers.

Reichenbach, an Ohio native, is a graduate of Bowling Green State University and the University of Michigan. He moved to Florence with his wife and two children in 2008. He operates three car dealerships, two in Florence and one in Beaufort County. Reichenbach describes himself as “a Christian Conservative family man who is pro-life and pro-Second Amendment.”
Reichenbach states that his bid for the senate seat is not about politics but about people. He vows to ensure that underserved communities benefit from regional growth by bringing jobs to the Pee Dee area. “I will work to grow economic development by bringing in jobs, not just any jobs but good jobs with good wages.” He went on to say that when people work, they are able to take care of themselves and their families and that helps the entire community. “What Florence needs is a skilled labor force, good jobs in diverse industries and the ability to attract globally competitive companies that provide competitive wages which leads to a high quality of life for the people who call this home.”

When asked How he plans to keep resources flowing to the community without the years of service that Sen. Leatherman had, he responded that he would achieve that by building relationships and trust. “I will show my fellow senators that I can work with them because when the Pee Dee does well, South Carolina does well.” He added that he would support adding additional law enforcement officers, lowering state income taxes and strengthening schools. In November 2019, Reichenbach, successfully launched “Helping Florence Work.” The program’s mission is to make Florence district 1 school guidance counselors and career development staff aware of the significant career opportunities available in the Pee Dee area that require less than a four-year degree. The program also strives to empower them to guide students toward rewarding career pathways via quality technical education.

He said his solid business background is something that he believes makes him the right choice in the race to replace Leatherman. “Job creation, job growth and economic development is near and dear to my heart,” Reichenbach said. “If people work, they have a better opportunity to take care of their families and that’s good for them and the community.” He sad that he has a proven track record for strengthening education and building business. Those traits are what Reichenbach said he shares with the late Leatherman and why he believes he is the best person for the job.