Wes Climer
David Wesley Climer is an American politician. Since 2016, Climer has represented the 15th District in the South Carolina Senate. He is a member of the Republican party.
Political career
Congressional aide
From 2006 to 2011, Climer worked as a Washington, DC-based Congressional aide for Republicans US Rep. Patrick McHenry, US Senator Elizabeth Dole, and Senator Bill Cassidy.South Carolina Senate
Climer has represented South Carolina's 15th Senate District since 2016, when he defeated Republican Robert W. Hayes Jr. in the Republican primary. Before that, Hayes had represented the district since 1991.In the primary race, Climer was endorsed by Governor Nikki Haley, and supported by the Club for Growth and a PAC affiliated with Haley, Great Day SC PAC. 2016 was also the year Donald Trump won the state of South Carolina and his first presidential election.
Climer chairs the Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee, and serves on the Senate Family and Veterans' Services, Finance, Labor Commerce and Industry, Legislative Oversight and Transportation Committees.
Legislative lawsuit
On June 9, 2025, Climer and his attorney, former South Carolina Senator Dick Harpootlian, sued the State of South Carolina over their vote in the 2025 state budget to give themselves pay raises, which they stated is in violation of the State constitution. Climer declined the additional money, as did 2 other members of the Senate and 34 members of the South Carolina House of Representatives.2026 Congressional race
On July 31, 2025, Climer announced his bid for the South Carolina Congressional District 5 US House Seat. Incumbent Ralph Norman had announced his intention to run in the 2026 South Carolina gubernatorial election. Climer endorsed Norman in that race.On August 21, 2025, Norman announced his endorsement of Climer as his successor in Congress.