Quick Facts
Biography
Lawrence K. "Larry" Grooms (born March 20, 1964) is a Republican member of the South Carolina Senate, representing the 37th District.
Personal life
Grooms grew up in the small town of St. Stephen, South Carolina and after graduating from high school went on to receive a degree from Clemson University. He is married to Carol Grooms and is the father of three boys.
Early career
After college Grooms started a convenience store business, which he successfully expanded into a chain of gas stations throughout low-country South Carolina.
Political career
Grooms was first elected to the State Senate in 1997 as a Republican, and has maintained a strongly conservative voting record throughout his tenure.
He firmly opposes gay marriage, stating “I firmly believe marriage is between one man and one woman – and I will fight to defend traditional marriage against every attack."
2010 Gubernatorial candidacy
In May 2009, Grooms announced his candidacy for the Governor of South Carolina in the 2010 South Carolina gubernatorial election. In January 2010, he ended his campaign.