William Timmons

William R. Timmons IV is an American politician and attorney currently serving as the U.S. Representative for South Carolina's 4th congressional district. A member of the Republican Party, Timmons has held this position since January 3, 2019. His district encompasses a significant portion of the Upstate region, including the cities of Greenville and Spartanburg, along with their surrounding suburbs. Timmons has previously served in the South Carolina State Senate and has a background in law and military service.

Early life and career

William R. Timmons IV was born on April 30, 1984, in Greenville, South Carolina. He attended Christ Church Episcopal School, where he distinguished himself as a talented tennis player, earning the title of South Carolina Player of the Year in 2001 and winning an individual state championship in 2002. Following his high school education, Timmons pursued higher education at George Washington University, where he studied international affairs and political science at the Elliott School of International Affairs. During his time at the university, he played Division I tennis and received a partial athletic scholarship throughout his four years.

After completing his undergraduate studies, Timmons furthered his education by obtaining a Juris Doctor degree and a master's degree in international studies from the University of South Carolina. He also earned a Master of Science degree in Cybersecurity Risk and Strategy from New York University. His academic background laid a foundation for his subsequent career in law and public service.

Timmons began his professional career in the legal field, working for four years at the 13th Circuit solicitor's office. In this capacity, he focused on advocating for victims of domestic violence and played a key role in establishing a centralized court for domestic violence cases in Greenville County. As an Assistant Solicitor, he prosecuted a range of offenses, including domestic abuse, white-collar crime, and murder, gaining valuable experience in the judicial system.

In 2016, Timmons transitioned into politics by challenging longtime state senator Mike Fair in the Republican primary for a district in Greenville. He secured a significant victory in the primary, receiving nearly half of the votes cast, and subsequently won the runoff election with a substantial majority. Following this victory, he faced no major-party opposition in the general election, marking the beginning of his political career in the South Carolina State Senate.

House tenure

Timmons was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2018, succeeding retiring Republican incumbent Trey Gowdy. His campaign emphasized a message of reform, encapsulated in the slogan "Washington is broken." In the primary election held on June 10, 2018, Timmons placed second among a crowded field of candidates, receiving a notable percentage of the vote. He advanced to the runoff election, where he defeated former state senator Lee Bright. In the general election, Timmons secured victory against Democratic nominee Brandon Brown, garnering a significant majority of the votes cast.

Since taking office on January 3, 2019, Timmons has been re-elected multiple times. In the 2020 election, he won renomination without opposition and defeated his Democratic challenger with a comfortable margin. In 2022, he again faced no major-party opposition in the general election after winning renomination in a competitive primary. Timmons continued his electoral success in 2024, winning renomination against a challenger from within his party and subsequently securing re-election.

As of January 2026, Timmons is preparing for another re-election campaign, having indicated that this will be his final campaign before retiring in 2028.

Legislative focus and committees

During his tenure in the U.S. House, Timmons has been active in various legislative initiatives and committee assignments. He is a member of the House Financial Services Committee, where he has introduced legislation aimed at countering China's influence in global telecommunications, particularly regarding 5G technology. Timmons has also been involved in efforts to promote government efficiency and fiscal responsibility, including a proposal to amend the Constitution to limit the number of consecutive terms a member of Congress may serve.

Timmons has participated in significant political events and controversies during his time in office. He supported President Donald Trump during the impeachment process, expressing concerns about the fairness of the proceedings. Additionally, he was one of the Republican representatives who signed an amicus brief in a Supreme Court case contesting the results of the 2020 presidential election. Timmons also voted to object to the certification of the Electoral College results following the storming of the U.S. Capitol in January 2021.

In his role on the House Oversight Committee, Timmons has been involved in high-profile hearings, including questioning former Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle, which drew national attention. His committee work reflects a focus on accountability and oversight within the federal government.

Overall, William R. Timmons IV has established himself as a prominent figure in South Carolina politics, with a legislative focus that encompasses fiscal responsibility, national security, and government efficiency. His ongoing service in the U.S. House of Representatives continues to shape the political landscape of his district and the broader state.