- Native of Berkeley County, living in Bonneau
- Graduate of Clemson University with a degree in Business
- Small businessman and entrepreneur who started a chain of convenience stores and restaurants, he is now president of GTI, Inc.
- Married to Carol (Anderson) of Walhalla, they have three boys: Taylor, Hayden, and Jack
- Member of the Board of Visitors, Charleston Southern University
- Elected to the Senate in his first run for office in 1997
- Represents District 37 which includes parts of Berkeley, Charleston, Colleton, Dorchester counties
- A conservative leader in the State Senate, he is chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee
