On Friday, January 24, 2025, The Herald reported that a candidate for a judgeship in York, South Carolina, has been deemed qualified by a state commission, yet some Republican lawmakers are expressing intentions to block her appointment. Melissa Inzerillo, a resident of Rock Hill and the only candidate for the 16th Circuit judicial seat, is facing opposition from certain members of the legislature, raising concerns about her ability to secure the necessary votes.
Inzerillo, a seasoned attorney with the 16th Circuit Public Defender’s office, has never held or run for elected office prior to this campaign. She is vying for the judgeship currently held by Dan Hall, who is set to retire on February 14, 2025. The election for this position is scheduled for February 5, 2025.
Despite the commission’s endorsement, the path to the judgeship appears uncertain. Republican Representative Tommy Pope, who previously served as York County’s top prosecutor, has indicated that Inzerillo may lack the votes needed to win. “From the numbers I have seen, I do not believe Melissa will have the votes,” Pope stated.
Senator Wes Climer, also a Republican from Rock Hill, has publicly declared his opposition to Inzerillo, citing concerns regarding her perceived stance on law enforcement. Climer, who is actively encouraging other state senators to reject Inzerillo, remarked, “The people of York County are pro law enforcement and pro law and order, and Melissa Inzerillo is not.” When pressed for evidence to support his claims, Climer referenced the commission’s public screening record, which found Inzerillo qualified.
In contrast, John King, the only Democrat in York County’s legislative delegation, has voiced his strong support for Inzerillo. He is advocating for her candidacy and highlighted the historic significance of potentially electing the first woman as a circuit judge in York County. “I don’t care if she’s conservative or liberal; what matters is that any judge in this state will be fair to anyone standing before them and follow the Constitution,” King stated.
In South Carolina, judges are not directly elected by the public; rather, they are appointed by the legislature following a review by the Judicial Merit Selection Commission. This commission comprises six legislators and four appointees. South Carolina and Virginia are the only states where judges are elected by the legislature.
Inzerillo, who was the sole remaining candidate after another female candidate withdrew from the race, received a positive evaluation from the commission. The qualifications noted include her judicial temperament, experience, and community service. The commission acknowledged Inzerillo’s reputation as a diligent attorney and her commitment to improving the justice system in South Carolina.
During a public hearing in November, commission chairman Senator Luke Rankin praised Inzerillo’s work ethic. Another commission member, J.P. “Pete” Strom, a former U.S. attorney for South Carolina, expressed that Inzerillo should not feel the need to apologize for her background as a public defender.
As the election approaches, candidates are permitted to seek commitments from legislators for support, a process that began on January 21, 2025. However, it remains unclear if Inzerillo has garnered enough commitment to secure her position.
York County’s legislative representation is predominantly Republican, which complicates Inzerillo’s chances. The county is served by four Republican state senators and multiple House members, with King being the only Democrat. If Inzerillo fails to achieve a majority vote in the upcoming joint session, the legislature will have to restart the appointment process, leaving the judicial seat vacant for an indeterminate period.
Representative Brandon Guffey, another Republican House member, has stated he will not support Inzerillo, echoing Pope’s desire for a broader candidate pool. Guffey intends to abstain from voting due to the lack of alternatives.
Despite the opposition, Inzerillo does appear to have some backing from Republican lawmakers. King emphasized the importance of diversity on the bench, arguing that political affiliations should not influence judicial appointments. He remarked that Inzerillo has demonstrated the temperament necessary to serve impartially, regardless of political biases.
In recent history, there have been instances where a single candidate did not achieve a majority vote. In 2024, judicial candidate James Smith, a former Democratic gubernatorial candidate, was the sole contender but did not secure enough votes during the floor vote.
As the February 5 election date nears, the outcome remains uncertain, with significant implications for the judicial landscape in York County. The decision ultimately rests with the legislature, which has the authority to approve or reject the commission’s qualified candidate.
Source: The Herald
