Originally published in the Aiken Standard (4.11.2016)
A word of congratulations is in order for State Senator Shane Massey on his election this week to Senate Majority Leader. South Carolina Senate Republicans elected Massey, R-Edgefield, as Senate Majority Leader Wednesday, a conservative who at least one GOP leader has said will “shake things up” in the Senate.
The vote for the post, which will lead the chamber’s Republican caucus, followed Gaffney Republican Sen. Harvey Peeler’s resignation announcement Tuesday.
Massey, 40, a member of the Aiken County Legislative Delegation, was first elected to the Senate in a 2007 special election and is seeking re-election this fall.
The senator told reporters during a news conference shared online by the S.C. Republican Caucus on Wednesday he thinks it’s important that the face of the caucus is someone who is young, energetic and excited to lead on conservative issues.
Shane Massey seeks to change Republican Party image as new Senate majority leader
Massey is all of those things.
Young and energetic, definitely on his way up.
S.C. GOP Chairman Matt Moore called Massey an “outstanding choice” for majority leader.
“He is a principled conservative who will shake things up in the South Carolina Senate,” Moore said. “Since his election in 2007, Sen. Massey has continually focused on good policy ideas that will improve the lives of our citizens. His election today should give encouragement to all South Carolinians.”
Massey told reporters he comes into the job knowing it won’t be easy, but added the state has some “real issues” it needs to address.
The Aiken County Legislative Delegation is well represented in Statehouse leadership with Sen. Nikki Setzler, D-Lexington, holding the position of Senate Minority Leader.
Massey said one of the state’s biggest issues is the condition of the state’s roads and bridges, an issue he said he hears the most from constituents in his district, which includes a portion of Aiken County.
Nationally, Massey said, the Republican Party has the image of being the “old white man’s party,” but noted he was the youngest senator for five years when he was elected and remains the third youngest in the body.
“In a body that is very protective of seniority, these guys and lady, they really took a big step today,” he said.
Sen. Tom Young, R-Aiken, said this week, through his work as majority whip and working on many different bills in the Senate, Massey has earned the opportunity.
“I am confident he will do a great job,” Young said.
Other Republican leaders also offered statements regarding the new Majority Leader on Wednesday, including Senate President Pro Tempore Hugh Leatherman – who Massey voted against for Senate President Pro Tempore in 2014.
“It can be a difficult and demanding job, but Sen. Massey has stepped up to the challenge and I’m confident he’ll do well,” Leatherman’s statement read.
Sen. Massey has earned the respect and confidence of his colleagues through his hard work and integrity. He has already earned the respect and confidence of his constituents.
Granted, his plate will be full as this is not an easy job, but for now, a pat on the back and our sincerest congratulations are in order for the 40-year old state senator.
A bright future awaits him.