William E. “Bill” Sandifer, III serves as the representative for the South Carolina House of Representatives District 2.  Serving the people of Oconee County since 1994, he was part of the historic sweep that brought the first Republican majority to the House since the days of Reconstruction.  Rep. Sandifer has earned a reputation of bipartisanship and as an experienced, dedicated conservative who shapes public policy based on strong economic growth, high-quality education, efficient government and strong families.

Rep. Sandifer was born on February 21, 1945 in Aiken, South Carolina to Frances Harley Sandifer of Seneca and the late and former two term mayor of Seneca William Edward Sandifer, Jr.  Moving to Seneca in 1959, he graduated from Seneca High School and then earned a degree from the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science.  Following graduation, he moved back to Seneca where he began his career as a mortician as the owner and operator of Seneca Mortuary.

Since he was elected in 1994, Rep. Sandifer has quickly made his presence felt in state government.  He currently serves as a ranking member of the SC House Labor, Commerce and Industry Committee (LCI) and chairs its Public Utilities Subcommittee.  Furthermore, in recognition of his demonstrated leadership skills and his outstanding record as an honorable legislator, Sandifer’s House colleagues elected him to serve on the House Ethics Committee.  In addition, his loyal devotion to conservative values and his proven ability to build consensus earned him the appointment of Chief Majority Whip for two consecutive House Majority leaders -- Rep. Bobby Harrell and Rep. Rick Quinn.

Rep. Sandifer has long been actively involved in community and civic affairs.  He is former chairman of the board of Oconee Memorial Hospital, Fort Hill Natural Gas Authority and the Oconee United Way.  He also serves on the board of the Seneca National Bank. He is past president of the Greater Seneca Chamber of Commerce, Past Master of the Seneca Masonic Lodge and Past Worthy Patron of the Seneca Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star.  In 1981, former South Carolina Governor James Edwards appointed Rep. Sandifer to serve as his representative on the South Carolina State Board of Funeral Service.  Sandifer is also a member of the American Legion Charles McGee Byrd Post 120.