COLUMBIA, S.C. – Governor Henry McMaster today appointed retired federal appellate judge Dennis W. Shedd of Irmo, as chairman of the South Carolina State Election Commission. The appointment is effective immediately and will fill the vacancy of former election commission chairman John Wells of Lugoff, who stepped down from his position on Wednesday following five years of service. 

“Maintaining the public's confidence in the integrity of our elections is of the utmost importance," said Governor Henry McMaster. "As one of the most well-respected jurists in the country, Judge Shedd is uniquely qualified to lead the state election commission, and to ensure that South Carolinians can participate in free and fair elections. I'm grateful for his willingness to serve." 

Judge Shedd, 71, served as a U.S. District Judge for the District of South Carolina for 12 years, having been nominated by President George H.W. Bush. In 2002, after being nominated by President George W. Bush, Judge Shedd was confirmed by the U.S. Senate to the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals and served until his retirement in 2022. He holds a bachelor's degree from Wofford College, a juris doctorate from the University of South Carolina, and a master of laws from Georgetown University. 

A photo of Judge Shedd can be found here.