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Summerville Today
By the People, for the People
SC State Senator Contacted by FBI Over Lobbyist Fundraiser Claim
Fernandez says he was questioned about allegations made during a legislative session.
Apr. 2, 2026 at 6:17pm
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Tom Fernandez, a Republican state senator from Summerville, South Carolina, says he was contacted by an FBI agent regarding campaign finance allegations he made on the state Senate floor last year. Fernandez had accused a lobbyist of promising to organize a fundraiser for him in exchange for his vote on a particular bill.
Why it matters
This case highlights ongoing concerns about potential corruption and undue influence in state-level politics, as well as the role of the FBI in investigating such allegations. It also raises questions about transparency in campaign finance and the integrity of the legislative process.
The details
During a legislative session last year, Fernandez accused a lobbyist of promising to organize a fundraiser for him in exchange for his vote on a bill. Fernandez said he was later contacted by an FBI agent who questioned him about the allegations.
- Fernandez made the allegations on the state Senate floor last year.
- The FBI agent contacted Fernandez regarding the allegations in April 2026.
The players
Tom Fernandez
A Republican state senator from Summerville, South Carolina who made allegations of a lobbyist promising a campaign fundraiser in exchange for his vote.
FBI
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, which contacted Fernandez to question him about the campaign finance allegations he made.
What they’re saying
“I was contacted by an FBI agent regarding the allegations I made on the Senate floor last year.”
— Tom Fernandez, State Senator
What’s next
The FBI's investigation into Fernandez's allegations is ongoing, and it remains to be seen if any charges will be filed.
The takeaway
This case highlights the ongoing challenges of rooting out potential corruption in state-level politics, and the important role that federal law enforcement can play in investigating such allegations.
