The South Carolina State Lodge, Fraternal Order of Police, the state chapter of the nation’s largest law enforcement organization, today announced its endorsement of Eighth Judicial Circuit Solicitor David Stumbo for Attorney General of South Carolina in the 2026 general election.

The endorsement follows a comprehensive process in which candidates were invited to complete a detailed questionnaire addressing issues affecting law enforcement officers, their families, and public safety. Candidates for Attorney General also participated in interviews with representatives of the South Carolina Fraternal Order of Police.

The endorsement reflects the vote of South Carolina Fraternal Order of Police members across the state. The organization’s endorsement process gives every member an opportunity, through one of its 19 local lodges, to make their choice known to their lodge Trustee. Informed by the membership of their lodge, each Trustee casts a vote at the South Carolina Fraternal Order of Police Board of Directors meeting. A candidate must receive the support of at least two-thirds of the local lodges to earn the organization’s endorsement. Stumbo easily cleared that threshold.

Stumbo has served as Solicitor for South Carolina’s Eighth Judicial Circuit since 2013, representing Abbeville, Greenwood, Laurens, and Newberry counties. His career as a prosecutor has placed him alongside law enforcement officers in criminal investigations and courtrooms throughout the circuit.

“David Stumbo understands law enforcement because he has spent his career working alongside officers to hold criminals accountable,” South Carolina Fraternal Order of Police President John Blackmon said. “The Attorney General occupies a critical position in South Carolina’s criminal justice system. Our members want an Attorney General who understands what officers face, respects their rights, and will work with them to keep our communities safe. David Stumbo demonstrated to us that he understands that responsibility.”

During the endorsement process, Stumbo expressed support for strengthening due process protections for law enforcement officers. He also committed to supporting legislation establishing safety protections around officers performing their duties and strengthening penalties for intentionally harming or killing law enforcement K-9s.

Stumbo also brought direct prosecutorial experience to discussions about officer-involved critical incidents. He advocated for consistent protocols across South Carolina’s 16 judicial circuits and said the Attorney General should work with prosecutors statewide to establish greater consistency in the review of those cases.

“This endorsement is about more than supporting someone who prosecutes criminals,” Blackmon said. “It is about having an Attorney General who understands that the officers who enforce our laws deserve fairness, due process, strong legal protections, and an advocate who will listen when they identify problems within our criminal justice system. David Stumbo has demonstrated that understanding.”

The South Carolina Fraternal Order of Police urges its members, law enforcement families, and voters across South Carolina to support David Stumbo for Attorney General in the November general election.

“Our members take the endorsement process seriously because the decisions made by the Attorney General directly affect law enforcement and public safety across this state,” Blackmon said. “After hearing directly from the candidates and examining their positions on the issues affecting our members, the South Carolina Fraternal Order of Police is proud to endorse David Stumbo to serve as South Carolina’s next Attorney General.”

About the South Carolina State Lodge, Fraternal Order of Police

The South Carolina State Lodge, Fraternal Order of Police is the state chapter of the nation’s largest law enforcement organization and represents thousands of active and retired law enforcement officers across South Carolina. The organization advocates for the men and women of law enforcement and works to improve officer safety, working conditions, legal protections, benefits, and public safety throughout the state.