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The four nominees for South Carolina’s open Supreme Court seat has highlighted the way judges are chosen in the Palmetto State, which tends to be less about legal expertise and more of a masterclass in political networking within the uniparty.

The Judicial Merit Selection Commission (JMSC) is made up of four members of the Senate, four members of the House, and four individuals appointed by the Governor. The JMSC vets and qualifies all judges in South Carolina and has recently been under intense scrutiny, facing allegations of political favoritism with fatal consequences, enough to warrant the passage of a new bill promising “reform” in the House. While there are several to be analyzed, we are going to take a close look at one of the most consequential races that has eyebrow-raising financial correlations.

Jay Lucas: The Legislature’s Cash Cow

The presumed frontrunner is Jay Lucas, former Speaker of the House, who spent years shaping the uniparty culture of the state legislature, retired in 2022, and now wants a seat on the highest court in the state. Is it any wonder Lucas gave a parting gift of $190,202.74 to the House Republican Caucus on his way out? This gift dwarfs any given by legislators for all time, which allows a politician to donate unused campaign funds upon leaving office, typically to a nonprofit.

It was no secret in Columbia that Lucas had his eye on a judgeship. With a Judicial Merit Selection Commission (JMSC) filled with lawmakers who once served under him, a gift this substantial makes sense. But aiming straight for the top with limited previous judicial background? Now that is some real confidence in political insurance.

Justice John Few: The Democrat-Leaning Incumbent

The incumbent for this seat is usually the automatic favorite, who in this case is John Few. Once the “golden boy” of former Justice Jean Toal, Few climbed the judicial ladder quickly. However, on the bench, he has authored several left-leaning decisions, most notably striking down the Heartbeat Law in 2023.

Judge Blake Hewitt: The Young Progressive

Blake Hewitt currently sits on the South Carolina Court of Appeals, but he also has a worrisome history. According to filings, Hewitt has only ever donated to democratic candidates for political office including Vincent Sheheen, Seth Rose, and Matthew Richardson. While it is obvious that Hewitt will not win this race, it is very reasonable to believe he will keep his seat on the Court of Appeals.

Judge Ralph Anderson III: The Legacy Candidate on Repeat

Rounding out the field is Ralph Anderson III, an administrative law judge since 2009 who is known for presiding over Rom Reddy’s case involving the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (DES). Anderson has long pursued higher judicial posts without success. His candidacy rests more on his father’s democratic legacy rather than any personal accomplishments.

South Carolina Judgeships are Based on Relationships, Not Judicial Record

This State Supreme Court race brings to light South Carolina’s core issue that is rarely touched by the media: instead of being based on the judicial record of the candidate, these races are too often decided by the relationships of that candidate.

Ever wonder why deep dives on judicial candidates are almost never featured by the mainstream media? It’s because the races are decided before they even start and the candidates are well aware of this fact. The ones who don’t have a shot are getting their names out there in order to strike a deal for a future judgeship if in return they pull out of the one they are currently running for at the given time.

Why is our Judicial Merit Selection Commission that is appointed by a Republican supermajority only considering either the politically greedy or obviously left-leaning candidates? Aren’t there any experienced judges in South Carolina with a solid history of holding the line for conservative issues? It’s hard to make a democrat incumbent look like the shining star, but somehow the JMSC did, and that accomplishment should be studied.

South Carolina’s judges are decided not based off of a contest of legal minds, but a contest of alliances. It doesn’t matter who the JMSC chooses with these options, the citizens lose either way. It just depends how quickly you want to lose.