Shealy on Being Lone Woman SC Senator: “It was time”

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) — When the South Carolina General Assembly convenes in January there will be only one senator who is a female, Katrina Shealy. She explains why that fact is bittersweet and how she feels about being at the center of one of the most controversial upsets in Lexington County politics, beating longtime incumbent Jake Knotts. Newly-elected State Senator Katrina Shealy has emerged as a conservative Republican rock star, a wonder woman petition candidate for the state senate District 23 seat for Lexington County, who admits it’s a wonder she made it. “We were out-spent 16 to 1.” Katrina Shealy’s repeated attempts to out incumbent Jake Knotts paid off Tuesday night. “People wanted a change. If they hadn’t, it wouldn’t have happened if it wasn’t the right time.” Outgoing Senator Jake Knotts says losing is actually a good thing because it will allow him to spend more time with his family. “I just hope the good folks of Lexington County understand what they have given up,” said Knotts. “When I told my family I didn’t think we had enough to make it up [in the race], my daughter blurted out, ‘Thank God we get our Daddy back and we don’t have to share him with anymore.'” Now that Shealy has broken the glass ceiling in recent history in the State Senate, she hopes it will encourage more women to get involved in politics. “It’s bad we don’t have more women involved in politics. Hopefully more women, young women, will get involved.” Shealy may be sworn in and assume office as State Senator for District 23 the Monday after the election. She may choose to wait to be sworn in on the Senate floor in January.