Ivory Torrey Thigpen

Ivory Torrey Thigpen Jr. is an American politician. He is a member of the Democratic party.

South Carolina House of Representatives
Thigpen is a member of the South Carolina House of Representatives from the 79th District, serving since 2016. He serves on the House Judiciary and Rules committee.

In 2023, Thigpen was elected Chair of the South Carolina Legislative Black Caucus.

2024 State Senate race
In January 2024, Thigpen announced his candidacy for State Senate District 22, the seat currently held by incumbent Mia McLeod. Educator Dr. Monica Elkins also announced a run in the Democratic Primary.

In February 2024, businessman Hamilton Grant announced plans to run for House District 79, the seat currently held by Thigpen. Grant and community advocate Jonneika Farr will face each other in the Democratic Primary, and the victor will face Republican Rebecca Madsen in the General Election.

On April 1, 2024, McLeod announced that she would not seek re-election. Richland County Council member Overture Walker joined Thigpen and Elkins as candidates for the Democratic Primary nomination. Lee Blatt filed to run as a Republican candidate for the seat.

On June 11, Thigpen and Walker were the top vote getters in the Democratic Primary, and faced each other in a runoff. Lee Blatt withdrew, and Gary Votour with the South Carolina Workers Party will face the winner of the Democratic Primary in the general election.

On June 25, Thigpen was defeated by Walker in the Primary runoff.