COLUMBIA — State Rep. Marvin Pendarvis Steps Down Amid Investigation
In a turn of events that has left many in the community surprised, Democratic state Rep. Marvin Pendarvis has made the decision to resign from his position. This news comes in the wake of an ongoing investigation into serious allegations surrounding his legal practices, which have led to his law license being suspended.
Pendarvis, who made headlines as a civil rights activist and was only 27 years old when he first won his seat in 2016, has been under scrutiny since earlier this year. He was accused of forging a client’s signature on a legal settlement and subsequently offering hush money to keep the client silent about the matter. Once these accusations surfaced in April, a probe by the State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) promptly followed.
As the investigation unfolded, his law license was suspended in May, which highlighted the seriousness of the situation. While no criminal charges have been filed yet, the weight of the investigation seemed to grow heavier for Pendarvis. On September 16, he formally submitted his resignation to House Speaker Murrell Smith, articulating in his letter how much he valued his role.
His Words During Resignation
“Serving in the South Carolina House of Representatives has been the honor of my life,” Pendarvis stated. “Because of my respect for this body and for the residents of my district, I have made the difficult decision to resign from my seat. The residents of District 113 deserve a representative who can devote full time to their needs, and I cannot do that at this time.”
While some may speculate about the future of his political career, Pendarvis has chosen to remain quiet without offering any further comments when reached for clarification on September 19. The ongoing SLED investigation remains active, adding to the uncertainty surrounding this situation.
The Future of District 113
As Pendarvis departs, many community members are left wondering what’s next for his seat representing the deep-blue District 113. This district stretches from North Charleston through Hanahan, and into Summerville and Dorchester County. Pendarvis was not facing a challenger in the upcoming 2024 elections, which adds more intrigue to this sudden vacancy.
One potential candidate mentioned is Courtney Waters, a second-term member of the Charleston County School Board who recently won her last election with about 64 percent support. While Waters expressed gratitude for being considered a potential replacement, she maintained her focus on Pendarvis’s family during this challenging time.
Shedding Light on Waters’ Response
“As someone who volunteered on his campaign in the early year, then worked with him as a school board trustee for the last four years, I know firsthand his support for the North Charleston community regarding housing, job creation, and more, never wavered,” Waters shared. “May the work he’s done speak for him.” However, she has not confirmed whether she will run for the seat, stating that the decision is still under consideration.
According to state statutes, when a vacancy arises due to a party member’s resignation before a general election, it typically gets filled through a special primary election. However, with the timeline growing tight and Pendarvis’s formal withdrawal still pending, a clearer picture on what happens next remains uncertain.
What’s Next?
For now, Charleston County Democratic Party Chairman Sam Skardon expressed his gratitude for Pendarvis’s service and offered his support during this time. “He is a friend to many of us, and we are thinking of him and his family today,” Skardon said.
As the community processes this unexpected news, many are left wondering how Pendarvis’s resignation and the ongoing investigation will shape the upcoming elections and representation of District 113. The coming weeks may bring more clarity, but for now, the focus seems to be on the well-being of those affected.
