A pair of incumbent South Carolina Representatives have made their intentions known regarding their current House seats. Rep. Gloria Haskins has announced that she will seek another term in the General Assembly, while Rep. Ben Hagood said this will be his last year as a legislator.

In a campaign press release, Haskins said she will file as the Republican candidate for House District 22 in Greenville. A member since 2000, Haskins was first elected to fill the unexpired term of her husband, the late Speaker Pro Tempore Terry Haskins.

“Today, I am proud to announce my intent to file for re-election,” Haskins said. “It has been my honor to serve the people of District 22 and I am looking forward to continuing my work in the Legislature.”

During her four terms she has been a key player in numerous legislative efforts such as strengthening criminal domestic violence laws, lowering property taxes, and securing funding for educational and healthcare needs. Haskins has been a vocal advocate of Speaker Bobby Harrell’s South Carolina Illegal Immigration Reform Act this session and she has also worked with Gov. Mark Sanford to promote the ongoing initiative for school choice.

Haskins announcement coincided with word that Hagood would not seek another term. “I look forward to spending more time with my children during their final years of high school, and to devoting more time to my law practice,” Hagood said.

Hagood is a member of the House Judiciary Committee and Rules Committee and has served Charleston County’s District 112 in the State House since 2003. Hagood also serves as chairman of the Special Laws subcommittee, the Coastal Caucus and the Governor’s Climate, Energy and Commerce Advisory Committee.

“Ben is a dear friend of mine and his presence in the House will be missed,” Harrell said. “Our state is a better, more beautiful place because of Ben’s service.”

“Ben has been a good friend and a tireless advocate for South Carolinians,” said Majority Leader Jim Merrill. “His decision to not seek re-election is a loss to our state and I hope that he will join the ranks of public service again in the near future.”

Hagood thanked his constituents for their support and his colleagues at the statehouse.