Rep. Anne Thayer Won't Seek Seat in 2024
Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer
S.C. Rep. Anne Thayer, R-Dist. 9, announced Wednesday she will not run for the seat again in 2024.
“It sounds so cliché, but my family was the deciding factor,’ said Thayer. “I am ready to come home and spend more time with them. I’m not sure what God has next, but I am very excited about this next chapter.”
Thayer, who was elected to the seat - which covers an area from Anderson to Pelzer - in 2011 when it was vacated by Rep. Michael Thompson. She currently serves as Chair of the Rules Committee and of the Subcommittee on Real Estate, and as a member of the Subcommittee on Business and Commerce and the Subcommittee on Public Utilities. Former Member, Education and Public Works Committee, Carolina State House of Representatives. She is a former member of the Judiciary Committee, the Subcommittee on Administration and Regulations, Subcommittee on Banking and Consumer Affairs, the Subcommittee on Business and Commerce, the Subcommittee on General and Family Laws, and the Subcommittee on Public Utilities.
“We appreciate everything she’s done for the delegation and for the state as a whole,” said S.C. Sen. Mike Gambrell, Rep-Dist. 4. “She has been a good delegation member and a good friend.”
Thayer has also been active in community service, working with, the Anderson Heritage Foundation, Anderson Interfaith Ministries, the City of Anderson Board of Architectural Control, the Anderson County Foster Care Review Board, and the South Carolina State Foster Care Review Board, 2005-2008
“She has been a dedicated public servant and a strong advocate for Anderson County,” said Anderson County Administrator Rusty Burns. “She will be missed.”
“Anne has been a supporter and advocate for our work at AIM,” said Kristi King-Brock, founder and CEO of AIM. “You could not ask for better representation.”
In a letter announcing her decision, Thayer wrote:
“It has been an immeasurable honor to represent Anderson House District 9 for nearly a decade and a half. From the very first day I was sworn in, the honor and responsibility of representing each of you weighed heavily on my heart.
I have always strived to listen, learn, understand your concerns and lead with integrity. It is my hope you have always found me to be a compassionate and caring legislator. I have been blessed to hear your stories and cherish the friendships that have been made on this journey.
These interactions have enriched my understanding and have always fueled my passion for public service. All that we have shared shaped my time in office and, indeed, my life.
As much as I have enjoyed serving as your legislator, God is leading me in a different direction. I do not plan to file for re-election in March 2024. However, I will continue to represent you in the State House until November 2024. Putting the needs and aspirations of my constituents and our district will continue to be my priority.
My dedication and service to House District 9 and Anderson County will remain steadfast. I am proud of the obstacles we have overcome and the progress we have achieved. With economic development and growth at an all-time high, we have continued to keep taxes low, making South Carolina one of the most desirable states in the nation.
Words cannot quite describe how eternally grateful I am for each of you. Your support and the confidence you placed in me over the last thirteen years means more than I can say. While my role may change, it is still my desire to stay involved in the community I serve. The privilege of serving you has been one of the greatest experiences in my life.
The closing line in every letter, email, or newspaper article written has always been, “As always, I appreciate the opportunity of serving you”. Over the years, that one simple line has kept me humble and focused, and it was always written with sincerity. With that being said, it has been an honor.”