Tim Scott has been an American entrepreneur and politician, holding the position of junior United States senator from South Carolina since 2013. Affiliated with the Republican Party, he has a diverse political background, having previously served as a Charleston city councilor, a state representative, and a U.S. Representative. Before his political career, Scott had experience in the financial services sector.
From 1995 to 2009, Scott served on the Charleston County Council. He then transitioned to the South Carolina General Assembly from 2009 to 2011 and represented South Carolina’s 1st congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2011 to 2013.
In 2013, Nikki Haley, the then-governor of South Carolina, appointed Scott to the U.S. Senate to fill a vacancy. He successfully retained his Senate seat by winning a special election in 2014 and was subsequently elected to a full term in 2016. Scott secured re-election in 2022, making history as the first African-American senator elected from the Southern United States since the Reconstruction era.
Venturing into the 2024 Republican Party presidential primaries, Scott initiated an exploratory committee on April 13, 2023. He took further steps by filing Federal Election Commission paperwork on May 19 and officially declaring his candidacy three days later. Unfortunately, Scott suspended his presidential campaign on November 12 of that year due to low poll numbers.
Tim Scott Parents: Meet Frances And Ben Scott Sr
Scott was born in North Charleston, South Carolina, to Frances (a nurse assistant) and Ben Scott Sr. He was 7 years old when his parents divorced. His mother worked 16 hours a day to support her family, as he grew up in poverty.
In a heartfelt interview dedicated to Women’s History Month in 2021, Senator Scott expressed deep gratitude to his mother, Frances Scott, acknowledging her sacrifices, perseverance, and resilience as instrumental in his journey. He reflected on the profound impact of her dedication, stating, “I think to myself had it not been for her sacrifice, her perseverance, her resilience, I would not be where I am today.”
Senator Scott emphasized the extraordinary influence of his mother, describing her as the most potent force and witness in his life. He conveyed his appreciation for the celebration of all women during the month, underscoring his excitement at having his mother be a significant part of this recognition: “I am so thankful that this month we celebrate all women, but for me, I am excited that I get to have my mama a part of this celebration.”
Frances Scott, in turn, shared insights into raising her son, expressing confidence in his potential and determination. She explained, “I know what you had inside of you and what you were capable of doing, so, therefore, I couldn’t give up.” Her unwavering belief in Senator Scott’s abilities played a crucial role in their shared journey.