Acting

Dick Harpootlian

Richard A. "Dick" Harpootlian (born January 23, 1949) is an American attorney and politician who served as a member of the South Carolina Senate from the 20th district from 2018 to 2024. He served as the chair of the South Carolina Democratic Party from 1998 to 2003 and again from 2011 to 2013. He also previously served as solicitor (district attorney) for the Fifth Judicial Circuit of South Carolina from 1991 until 1995. As a member of the South Carolina Senate, Harpootlian had been a frequent critic of the state's budgetary practices. He served as a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee. In private practice, Harpootlian has served as a lead attorney for Alex Murdaugh in his murder trial, appeals, and motions for a new trial.