Nikki G. Setzler

Nikki G. Setzler (born August 7, 1945) is an American politician who was a Democratic member of the South Carolina Senate, representing the 26th District since 1976. In November 2020, Setzler announced that he would step down as Minority Leader.

After the resignation of North Dakota's Ray Holmberg on June 1, 2022, Setzler became the country's longest serving incumbent state senator. For much of his tenure, Setzler was the only elected Democrat representing a portion of Lexington County above the county level.

Political career

S.C. Senate

Elections

2016 election

Nikki Setzler defeated Republican challenger Brad Lindsey in 2016, receiving about 58% of the vote.

2020 election

In 2020, Setzler defeated Republican challenger Chris Smith, winning roughly 54% of the vote.

2024 election

On January 10, 2024, Setzler announced his retirement from public office and would not stand for re-election in the 2024 South Carolina Senate election. In the race to succeed Setzler, State Representative Russell Ott defeated State Senator Dick Harpootlian for the Democratic nomination while Jason Guerry defeated Chris Smith for the Republican nomination. Ott faced Guerry in the general election with Ott winning the Senate seat.

Legacy On January 22, 2025, a portrait of Setzler was unveiled and later hung in the State Senate chambers, marking his 48 years as a Senator, the longest service in the nation. The portrait commissioned in a Senate resolution passed in March 2024. Speakers at the unveiling ceremony included State Senators Thomas C. Alexander, Harvey S. Peeler, Jr.; Darrell Jackson, A. Shane Massey, Brad Hutto, Vincent Sheheen and John C. Land III.