Business & Public Policy Leader; 114th Governor of South Carolina; President at McGuireWoods Consulting LLC

Columbia, SC, USA
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Jim Hodges Biography

James Hovis Hodges is an American businessman, attorney, and politician recognized for serving as the 114th governor of South Carolina. A former member of the South Carolina House of Representatives, Hodges is the most recent Democrat to hold the governor's office in the state. He earned a bachelor's degree in business administration from University of South Carolina and a law degree from University of South Carolina School of Law before returning to Lancaster to practice law. Prior to his political career, Hodges served as general counsel to Springs Company and sat on the board of directors for several businesses.

Hodges was elected to the South Carolina House of Representatives, where he chaired the Judiciary Committee and served as the House Democratic Leader following a Republican takeover. The South Carolina Chamber of Commerce named him Legislator of the Year. He entered the gubernatorial race as an underdog and became the first challenger to defeat a sitting governor since the state constitution allowed consecutive terms.

As governor, Hodges prioritized education policy. He secured approval for a referendum on a state lottery, provided $1 billion for school construction without raising taxes, and launched the First Steps to School Readiness initiative focused on early childhood education. He led efforts to improve the state's education system, including establishing the education lottery, which has provided more than 100,000 scholarships. Under his leadership, the South Carolina Department of Commerce reported significant economic development results. Hodges also signed legislation approving the removal of the Confederate flag from atop the State House and initiated the state's first sales tax holiday and the South Carolina SilverCard, which offered prescription drug coverage for senior citizens.

After leaving the governor's office, Hodges continued to work in business and public policy. He serves as president of McGuireWoods Consulting LLC and as a partner with McGuireWoods LLP, advising clients on business and policy matters in Washington, D.C., and Columbia, S.C. He served as a national co-chair of the Obama for President Campaign and regularly advises political and business leaders on state, regional, and national policy issues. Hodges has been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America, which named him Lawyer of the Year for Government Relations. He has received honorary doctorate degrees from University of South Carolina, South Carolina State University, The Citadel, Winthrop University, and Francis Marion University.

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Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 11/02/2026.

Jim Hodges Videos

Jim Hodges, Governor of South Carolina 1999-2003 - YouTube

Jim Hodges, Governor of South Carolina 1999-2003 - YouTube

Former SC Governor Jim Hodges - YouTube

Former SC Governor Jim Hodges - YouTube

Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe & former South Carolina Governor ...

Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe & former South Carolina Governor ...

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  • What topics does Jim Hodges speak about?

    Jim Hodges is a keynote speaker and industry expert whose speaking topics include Business Consulting, Business Leadership, Government, Political
  • Where does Jim Hodges travel from?

    Jim Hodges generally travels from Columbia, SC, USA, but can be booked for private corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. For more details, please contact an AAE Booking agent.
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Jim Hodges is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics. The estimated speaking fee range to book Jim Hodges for your event is available upon request. Jim Hodges generally travels from Columbia, SC, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are David Beasley, Rick Perry, Judd Gregg, George Pataki and James E. McGreevey. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Jim Hodges for an upcoming live or virtual event.

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