On Tuesday, March 3, 2026, The Center Square reported that South Carolina Supreme Court Chief Justice John Cannon Few stepped down from his position, preempting a vote that would likely have resulted in his removal. Few announced his decision on X, citing a lack of support from state lawmakers as the primary reason for his departure.

The announcement follows hints made the previous week regarding the state’s controversial asbestos court and his potential return to litigating cases. This came after a committee had already approved three candidates to challenge his position.

In South Carolina, judicial candidates are vetted by the Judicial Merit Selection Commission (JMSC). This commission comprises three members, each from the House of Representatives and the Senate, a bonus pick from a private citizen for both chambers, and four selections by the governor. One of the governor’s picks, attorney Peter Protopapas, has ties to the asbestos court, which was recently under scrutiny.

Candidates approved by the JMSC then proceed to a vote before the legislature. Concerns have been raised about potential conflicts of interest, as many lawmakers also work as lawyers in firms that handle personal-injury cases, which may ultimately appear before the very judges they select.

Among those considered to replace Few were two current judges and former Speaker of the House, Jay Lucas. Lucas, who served in the House of Representatives for 24 years and was Speaker from 2014-22, would have had to step down in three years due to mandatory retirement age. He also worked with all three current JMSC members from the House: Leon Stavrinakis, Micah Caskey, and Jay Jordan. Other candidates include Court of Appeals Judge Blake Hewitt, a former plaintiff lawyer with asbestos experience, and administrative law judge Ralph Anderson III.

In the 2024 Republican primary, voters overwhelmingly supported reforms to improve transparency and reduce conflicts of interest in judicial selections, with over 91% voting in favor. Subsequently, the governor’s ability to pick one-third of the JMSC was implemented, and the number of candidates approved for a spot on the bench was increased from three to six. Proposals to eliminate lawyer-legislators from the JMSC have been floated but not adopted.

Few stated that he was proud of his 26 years as a judge and intends to return to private practice.

 

 

Source: The Center Square