Tom Rice

Tom Rice – Life, Career, and Political Legacy

Meta description:
Tom Rice (born August 4, 1957) is an American lawyer and Republican politician who served as U.S. Representative for South Carolina’s 7th district from 2013 to 2023. Learn about his life, political path, key votes, controversies, and lessons from his career.

Introduction

Hugh Thompson “Tom” Rice Jr. (born August 4, 1957) is an American attorney and former member of the U.S. House of Representatives. Representing South Carolina’s 7th district for five terms (2013–2023), he became widely known for his occasional break with party orthodoxy—most notably his vote to impeach Donald Trump in 2021, for which he faced party censure and a primary challenge. Rice’s career illustrates both the opportunities and dangers of political independence in a polarized era.

In this article, we explore his early life, professional background, legislative record, the defining moments of his tenure, his roles post-Congress, and lessons one might draw from his trajectory.

Early Life and Education

Tom Rice was born in Charleston, South Carolina, on August 4, 1957. Myrtle Beach, where he grew up.

Rice held various early jobs: at age 12, he worked as a busboy, and later he held positions such as night-shift fry cook, grocery store bag boy, and manager of a miniature golf course during high school.

Academically, Rice was accepted with a scholarship to Duke University, but he chose instead to attend the University of South Carolina. B.S. in accounting (1979) and a M.A. in accounting (1982). J.D. in 1982.

Early in his professional life, Rice worked for Deloitte & Touche in Charlotte as an accountant/consultant and earned his CPA certification. Rice & MacDonald (later Rice, MacDonald & Hicks).

Early Political Involvement

Tom Rice’s formal entry into politics began at the local level:

• In 2010, he was elected Chair of the Horry County Council, serving in that capacity until December 31, 2012, when he resigned to assume his congressional seat.

• During his tenure as county council chair, he focused on economic development, infrastructure investment, and bringing job growth to the Myrtle Beach area.

This local executive experience helped establish his credentials and network for a congressional run.

U.S. House of Representatives: 2013–2023

Election & District Context

Rice first won election to the U.S. House in 2012, representing the newly drawn South Carolina 7th district.

As a member of Congress, Rice held a variety of committee assignments, including Ways and Means and trade subcommittees, reflecting his background in accounting and tax law.

Legislative Priorities & Actions

Rice promoted infrastructure, port development, and local economic initiatives. For example, he championed funding for the dredging of the Georgetown Port, a local economic asset in his district.

He also sponsored or cosponsored legislation related to tax policy, small business support, and disaster relief.

Defining Vote: Impeachment of Donald Trump

One of the most consequential moments in Rice’s career came after the January 6, 2021 U.S. Capitol attack. Despite being a Republican congressman, on January 13, 2021, Rice was one of 10 House Republicans who voted to impeach President Donald Trump in the second impeachment.

Rice justified his vote by citing what he saw as Trump’s failure to protect the Constitution, his lack of contrition, and his inadequate response to the violence.

This decision triggered a strong backlash within his party and set the stage for internal challenges to his political standing.

Loss in 2022 Primary

In 2022, former President Trump endorsed Russell Fry, a South Carolina state representative, as a challenger to Rice in the Republican primary—explicitly citing Rice’s impeachment vote.

On June 14, 2022, Rice was defeated in the Republican primary, taking less than 25% of the vote, and thus lost the chance to run for re-election. January 3, 2023, when Russell Fry succeeded him.

Personal Life & Public Persona

Tom Rice married Wrenzie Calhoun in 1982, and the couple has three sons. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and identifies as Episcopalian.

During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Rice initially declined to wear a mask on the House floor; later, he disclosed that he, his wife, and one of his sons had contracted COVID-19.

In earlier years, he served in numerous civic and community organizations, including the Myrtle Beach Haven Homeless Shelter, Sertoma Club, and local advisory boards.

Legacy and Significance

Tom Rice’s tenure reflects the tension between party loyalty and individual conviction. His impeachment vote alienated parts of his base and party leadership, but also won him respect from some for taking a principled stand. His primary defeat illustrates how fragile political capital can become in polarized times.

While he did not leave behind a signature legislative achievement on par with historical giants, his career is instructive for:

• The risks of bipartisan or cross-party dissent

• The power of national issues to override local ties

• The importance of aligning personal principle with political strategy

After leaving Congress, Rice retired from public office. As of now, there is no widely reported new political post or public commitment.

Lessons from Tom Rice’s Career

From Rice’s path, several reflections emerge:

1. Conviction has consequences
   Standing against one’s party may be morally courageous, but electorally costly in polarized settings.

2. Local roots matter—but may not override national tides
   Deep ties to one’s district help, but major votes on national issues can reshape local political dynamics.

3. Changing political currents
   Shifts in a party’s base and leadership (e.g. Trump’s influence) can rapidly realign endorsements and loyalties.

4. Risk management in public life
   One vote or stance can redefine a career; anticipating backlash and preparing narrative defense is critical.

5. Public service complexity
   The role of a representative is to balance constituency interests, personal principles, and party expectations. Rice’s story shows how fraught that balance can be.