Lawmakers in Columbia are voicing growing concern about the health of Republican Sen. Billy Garrett of District 10. The 70‑year‑old senator has been absent from the State House for several months, missing both the special legislative sessions held in June and August 2026 and a recent subcommittee hearing on tax reform convened by Sen. Sean Bennett.
Family tight‑lipped, staff unable to reach him
Sources close to the senator say his wife, Dee Garrett, is the primary point of contact, relaying messages to him. One insider described the family as “very tight‑lipped,” while another added, “No one is saying a word.” The lack of public updates has left colleagues uneasy.
Impact on legislative business
Garrett’s prolonged absence meant he missed a crucial vote on the 2026‑2027 state budget, a bill that has already sparked intense debate over earmark spending. His district, which covers all of Greenwood County and parts of Saluda and Lexington counties, relies on his representation in budget discussions.
In March 2025, Garrett experienced a health scare that prompted a brief hospitalization “out of an abundance of caution.” He later told constituents on social media that the episode turned out to be less serious than initially feared. He added that doctors are “keeping an eye on a few routine things, mainly related to kidney and blood pressure issues.”
Garrett’s political background
First elected in 2020 after a competitive GOP primary, Garrett defeated Democrat Floyd Nicholson to flip the seat from Democratic control. He was re‑elected unopposed in the 2024 primary and won a second term in November 2024, defeating Democrat Francie Kleckley. Known as a “quintessential establishment Republican,” he was among the few GOP senators who sided with Democrats in supporting the state’s trial‑lawyer lobby during the recent tort‑reform debate.
While the author of the original report admits past disagreements with Garrett’s voting record, the piece emphasizes a wish for a speedy recovery, noting that sources close to the senator insist he is fine and plans to return to the chamber when lawmakers reconvene in January 2027.
What’s next?
Columbia’s legislative leadership has not announced any formal action regarding Garrett’s seat or the budget vote he missed. As the State House prepares for its next session, colleagues and constituents alike are awaiting clearer communication about his health and his ability to resume duties.
For residents of District 10, the uncertainty underscores the importance of transparent communication from elected officials, especially when health issues affect representation on critical issues such as the state budget and tax policy.
Original reporting: FITSNews — read the source article.
