Representative Courtney Waters

Courtney Waters is a member of the Democratic Party and currently serves in the South Carolina House of Representatives, representing District 113. She assumed office on April 1, 2025, and her current term will conclude on November 9, 2026.

Waters won her seat in a special election held on March 25, 2025, following the resignation of her predecessor, Marvin Pendarvis, and her victory marked the beginning of her tenure in the state’s lower chamber.

Born in Flint, Michigan, Waters pursued her education at Rhodes College, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in 2011, and later obtained a master’s degree from the University of Mississippi in 2013. Her early career included teaching through the Mississippi Teacher Corps, where she worked from 2011 to 2013, before transitioning into roles in sales and marketing with ARD Logistics and Key Logistics Solutions between 2013 and 2018. Waters eventually moved into nonprofit leadership, serving as a managing director and nonprofit executive, which allowed her to focus on community development and advocacy. Her professional trajectory reflects a consistent commitment to service, education, and leadership.

Waters’s political career began with her election to the Charleston County School District Board of Trustees, where she served from 2020 to 2024. During her tenure, she worked to improve educational resources, support teachers, and advocate for equitable opportunities for students. Her leadership on the board earned her recognition as a strong advocate for public education and community engagement. She also served as a mentor in the College of Charleston Teacher Leader Program and was involved with organizations such as the Teacher Supply Closet, demonstrating her dedication to supporting educators and students alike.

Her campaign for the South Carolina House of Representatives emphasized issues such as strengthening public education, expanding access to healthcare, and promoting economic development in Charleston County. Waters positioned herself as a candidate who would bring fresh perspectives and a strong voice for working families, leveraging her background in education and nonprofit leadership to connect with constituents. Her victory in District 113 reflected the trust voters placed in her ability to represent their interests and advocate for policies that improve quality of life.

As a legislator, Waters has focused on issues central to her district, including education reform, healthcare accessibility, and infrastructure improvements. She has also been active in community organizations and professional networks, serving as a fellow with the Urban Land Institute REDI Charleston program in 2025. Additionally, she is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., which underscores her commitment to service and leadership within broader civic and cultural contexts.

Waters’s biography illustrates a trajectory of dedication to education, community service, and public leadership. Her blend of professional experience, nonprofit advocacy, and political engagement has positioned her as a rising leader in South Carolina politics. As she continues her current term in the South Carolina House of Representatives, Waters is expected to bring a values-driven approach to governance, representing District 113 with integrity, consistency, and a clear focus on the needs of her constituents.