On The Ballot: Running, Republican for State Senate (SC) - District 37
203 Gressette Building
Columbia, SC 29201
131 Indian Field Drive
Bonneau, SC 29431
Full Name:
Lawrence 'Larry' K. Grooms
Gender:
Male
Family:
Wife: Carol; 3 Children: Taylor, Hayden, Jack
Birth Date:
03/20/1964
Birth Place:
Moncks Corner, SC
Home City:
Saint Stephen, SC
Religion:
Christian, Southern Baptist
BS, Business, Clemson University, 1983-1987
Senator, South Carolina State Senate, District 37, 1997-present
Candidate, South Carolina State Senate, District 37, 2020
Chair, Constitutional Subcommittee
Member, Education Committee
Member, Electricity Market Reform Measures Study Committee
Member, Ethics Committee
Member, Finance Committee
Member, Rules Committee
Chair, Transportation Committee
Former Member, Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee, South Carolina State Senate
Former Member, Corrections and Penology Committee, South Carolina State Senate
Former Member, Subcommitte on Natural Resources, South Carolina State Senate
Former Chair, Subcommittee on Retirement and Employee Benefits, South Carolina State Senate
Member, Education Committee, South Carolina State Senate, 2023-2024
Member, Ethics Committee, South Carolina State Senate, 2023-2024
Member, Finance Committee, South Carolina State Senate, 2023-2024
Member, Rules Committee, South Carolina State Senate, 2023-2024
Chairman, Transportation Committee, South Carolina State Senate, 2023-2024
President/Chief Executive Officer, GTI Corporation, 1989-present
Chair/Founder, South Carolina Legislative Prayer Caucus, 2016-present
Member, National Council on Bible Curriculum Advisory Board, 2007-present
Member, Southern Methodist College Board, 2006-present
Member, Information and Technology Committee, American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), 2000-present
Member, Transportation Committee, CHATS Charleston Area, 1998-present
Member, Charleston Berkeley Dorchester Council of Governments, 1997-present
Member, Berkeley County Republican Party Executive Committee, 1996-present
Member, Charleston Southern University Board of Visitors, 1996-present
Member, National Rifle Association (NRA), 1996-present
Lifetime Member, National Association of Texaco and Shell Marketers, 1989-present
Member, Sigma Chi, 1985-present
Member, Pointe North Community Church, Moncks Corner, present
Former Chair, Saint Stephens First Baptist Church Board of Deacons
Member, Executive Committee, Berkeley County Republican Party, 1996-2008
Member, United Methodist Relief Center Board, 2003-2008
Member, Study Committee, South Carolina Farmers Market, 2001-2003
Awards:
Significant Contribution Award, MADD, 1998
Legislative Achievement Award, Charleston More Than a Port, 2002
Commendation for Service to and Support of Farmers, Agricuture Commission of South Carolina, 2002;
Legislative Appreciation Award, Agriculture Commission of South Carolina, 2002;
Raising the Standard Award, Heritage Commission Services, 2003;
National Legislative Impact Award, National Abstinence Clearinghouse, 2004;
Outstanding Service Award, American Legion Department of South Carolina, 2004;
Legislator of the Year, Carolina's Independent Automobile Dealers Association, 2004;
Legislator of the Year, South Carolina Public Charter School Association, 2004;
Friend to the Taxpayer Award, South Carolina Association of Taxpayers, 2004;
Legislator of the Year, South Carolina Farm Bureau, 2005;
Legislator of the Year, South Carolina Poultry Federation, 2006;
Humane State Legislator Award, Humane Society of United States, 2006;
Legislative Service Award, Sweetgrass Market Place Coalition, 2007;
Palmetto Leadership Award, South Carolina Policy Council, 2007, 2008;
Senate Legislative Champion Award (for outstanding leadership in the defense of faith, family, and freedom), Palmetto Family Council, 2007-2008, 2011-2012;
Legislator of the Year, Construction Network of the Carolinas, 2008;
The Westendorff Award for Service to Those in Need, United Methodist Relief Center, 2008;
Leadership Award, South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, 2008;
Legislator of the Year, Maritime Association of South Carolina, 2008, 2009;
Friend of Transit Award, Transportation Association of South Carolina, 2009;
Legislator of the Year, South Carolina Fraternal Order of Police, 2009;
Legislator of the Year, Palmetto Charter Network, 2009;
Business Advocate Award, South Carolina Chamber of Commerce, 2010;
Peas and Carrots Award for improving environmental and economic quality of life, Citizens for Sound Conservation, 2010;
Legislative Leader Award, ABATE of South Carolina, 2010;
Legislative Service Recognition, Boeing, 2010;
Panama Canal Authority recognition, Canal de Panamá, 2010;
Boeing Leadership Award, Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce, 2010;
100% Business Advocate Award, South Carolina Chamber of Commerce, 2010;
Golden Apple Award, South Carolina Chapter, National Coalition for Public School Options, 2011;
Political Courage Award, Berkeley County Republican Party, 2011;
Support of Liberty Award, ABATE of South Carolina, 2012;
Sword and Mace Award (for score of 100 for promotion and protection of the free, private and competitive enterprise system), South Carolina BIPEC, 2012;
Pro-Life Legislator of the Year, South Carolina Citizens for Life, 2012;
Honorary Lt. Colonel, South Carolina DNR, 2014;
Trident Technical College, Champion for Economic Development Award, 2015, 2016;
Barrett Lawrimore Leadership Award, Charleston Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, 2015;
South Carolina Champion of School Choice Award, 2015;
Legislative Appreciation Award, SC Association of Conservation Districts, 2013;
Public Servant Award, South Carolina Baptist Convention, 2013
Hobbies or Special Talents:
Fishing, Watching football