S.C. Rep. Cody T. Mitchell ’08 meets future voters during a school visit in his home district. Mitchell is currently serving as a freshman representative in the S.C. General Assembly.

Mitchell — a law partner, Army National Guard officer, and newly-elected representative in the South Carolina House of Representatives — says that no matter the job, he’s there to be a problem solver

by Sarah Murphy

Solving problems. Finding common ground.

S.C. Rep. Cody T. Mitchell ’08

That is what Cody T. Mitchell ‘08 has sought to achieve since starting his freshman term in office with the S.C. House of Representatives one year ago.

Mitchell, who studied history and business at Presbyterian College, was elected to represent South Carolina District 65 in a special election in November 2022. He replaced James H. “Jay” Lucas, a law partner to Mitchell at the firm Lucas, White & Mitchell based in Hartsville, S.C.

Mitchell says that running for political office has always been a career goal of his, and when the opportunity presented itself, he jumped at it.

“I absolutely have big shoes to fill,” said Mitchell of his partner, Lucas. After his first year in office, Mitchell is proud of his freshman class and what the entire House has been able to accomplish.

“There are 27 of us newly-elected representatives, and we are generally a young, open-minded group. I liken this year to arriving at PC in August as a freshman. You’re finding your place, you’re making friends, you’re getting in the rhythm of committee meetings and session. Since starting last January, I’ve spent a lot of time trying to meet people and collaborate to find a middle ground so that we can get things done and serve the people of South Carolina.”

Mitchell’s service towards others extends beyond the House of Representatives. In addition to his work at the law firm and in the House, Mitchell is also an Army National Guard Judge Advocate General (JAG) officer. He previously served as a municipal judge for the City of Hartsville, and the towns of Bethune, Bishopville, Jefferson, and McBee. While at PC, he served as student body president and later went on to serve on the PC Board of Trustees. He was also a recipient of the PC Young Alumni Award.

“PC not only gave me this incredible education, but the background in service I gained during my time there absolutely has helped lead me to where I am today,” Mitchell said. “Money isn’t important to me, nor is power or prestige. Across all of my roles, I’m here to solve problems and help people.”

Being able to get things done in Columbia is important, says Mitchell, but he also values being able to assist people one-on-one back home. In his first few months alone, he managed to help fund a food distribution hub — the KARE Foundation in Kershaw — as well as a campaign for American Revolution markers at historical sites across South Carolina. He assisted an elderly couple with a driveway access issue and helped ensure a high school junior was able to travel abroad as part of a school trip.

“It’s my job to be a liaison for our citizens,” said Mitchell. “Whether it’s a pothole, ditch, or a tax issue, I am here to help people get action from our government.”

Mitchell is proud to hail from a small town; to get up and speak on behalf of his rural constituents.

“You know they are counting on you, much like my time at Presbyterian, where I had the privilege of living among my fellow students, dining with them at GDH, and being a part of their lives,” he said. “You understand the importance of human connection. You actually know, listen, and learn about the people you represent.”

Along those lines, Mitchell says that most of all, he has valued the opportunity to meet and work with people from all walks of life — something he first experienced as an undergraduate at PC.

“PC taught me how to listen to someone else’s beliefs that might be directly opposite of what I believe in, and set our differences aside to get to some common ground,” said Mitchell. “To use critical thinking skills and engage in thoughtful debate. I really honed that skill at PC, and the perspective continues to serve me as a take on this new phase of my career.”

“The world needs more graduates from Presbyterian College,” he added. “How we think, connect and effectively communicate is vital in society today, and I am confident we could solve many more problems if there were more PC alumni in the public arena.”

S.C. Rep. Cody Mitchell ’08 serves not only in the S.C. General Assembly but continues to practice law and serve in the S.C. National Guard.