About Ed Sutton
Ed Sutton is a small business owner, decorated veteran, and devoted Lowcountry family man. As the State Senator for District 20, Ed brings a deep commitment to public service, principled leadership, and a tireless work ethic to every challenge he takes on.
Ed is proud to represent the city he fell in love with as a Citadel cadet and to stand up for the people who make it special—from Charleston’s mom-and-pop restaurants to teachers and working families. In his first legislative session, Ed helped pass bipartisan reforms that lowered insurance premiums for small restaurants and supported the Educator Assistance Act to recruit and retain classroom teachers across South Carolina. He’s been a voice for common sense, transparency, and local priorities in Columbia.
After the terrorist attacks of 9/11, Ed felt a call to serve. The only college he applied to was The Citadel—because he’d heard it was the toughest military school in the country. At just 18 years old, he arrived in Charleston and quickly fell in love with the Holy City, even while enduring the rigors of life as a freshman “knob.”
As a business major, he earned seven semesters on the dean’s list, secured an Air Force scholarship, was elected Governor of the South Carolina Student Legislature, and joined the elite Summerall Guards. The Citadel taught him that true leadership is rooted in service, honor, and accountability.
Commissioned as an Air Force officer, Ed began his flying career as a C-17 pilot stationed at Joint Base Charleston. His first mission took him to Afghanistan, where he flew airdrop missions supporting American troops. He later deployed again as an instructor pilot and volunteered to serve with the Army’s 101st Airborne Division on the ground, coordinating forward-operating logistics during his third combat deployment.
Before that tour, Ed met Aimee Zborowski—the “old-fashioned” way, through friends—and proposed the day before he shipped out again. In 2014, he returned to Charleston and transitioned to the Air Force Reserves, where he continues to serve.
Back home, Ed launched a commercial real estate development business with a focus on historic preservation, community inclusion, and revitalizing underinvested neighborhoods. He set up shop on Reynolds Avenue in North Charleston, founded the Reynolds Avenue Merchants Association, and has worked closely with local organizations to support small business growth and neighborhood revitalization.
Ed ran for State Senate because he believes Charleston deserves strong, accountable leadership focused on solving problems—not playing politics. He and Aimee now raise their two young sons in Charleston, instilling in them the same values of service and grit that have guided his life.
For Ed, public service isn’t a political career—it’s a continuation of a lifelong mission to serve his community and country. And he’s just getting started.
