Tom Fernandez is an American politician. He is a member of the South Carolina Senate from the 39th District, serving since 2024. He is a member of the Republican party.
Background
Fernandez spent his youth on a farm in Michigan. He earned a BA in political science from Coastal Carolina University, a JD from Charleston School of Law, and an MBA from The Citadel.
Political career
2018 State House race
Fernandez challenged Republican incumbent Sylleste Davis in 2018 for a seat in the South Carolina House of Representatives, losing in the Republican primary.
2024 State Senate race
On March 28, 2024, Fernandez filed to run for State Senate seat 39. He defeated Democratic incumbent Vernon Stephens to flip the Senate seat.
Fernandez serves on the Senate Corrections and Penology, Education, Family and Veterans' Services, Judiciary and Medical Affairs committees.
In 2025, Fernandez voted against confirming Dr. Edward Simmer to lead the South Carolina Department of Public Health because Simmer had strongly recommended that people take COVID vaccines during the COVID pandemic and because he wore a face mask to protect his immunocompromised wife.
References
External links
- Tom Fernandez Senate campaign page
- Senator Tom Fernandez
- Image: Tom Fernandez on WCBD-TV
