Richard Hricik is running as a Democrat for South Carolina attorney general in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election. He faces Republican David Stumbo.

Hricik, an attorney who says he has run his own law firm for more than 30 years, said in our candidate questionnaire that he is running because "too often it feels like people with more money, power, or connections get treated differently than you."

"The Rule of Law is supposed to mean one set of rules for everyone," Hricik said. "That's also why I take no campaign donations. No PAC money. No corporate money. No special-interest money."

He has not held elected or appointed office, according to his questionnaire response.

Candidate information

Party: "Democratic, but the Attorney General's job is to represent the interests of ALL of the people of South Carolina and uphold and defend The Rule of Law," Hricik said in our questionnaire.

Education: "I was the first in my family to graduate college. I attended Cleveland State University at night and on weekends while working full-time during the day. I graduated in 4yrs cum laude with a BA in Accounting," Hricik said in our questionnaire. He earned his law degree from William & Mary Law School.

Family: "Married--to my best friend. We've been together for 31 years. Two adult daughters, and one who just got engaged," Hricik said in our questionnaire.

Experience and public service

Asked about his work history, Hricik said in our questionnaire: "I studied accounting because I needed a degree that would lead to a job, then worked at Arthur Andersen in accounting and forensic financial work, including reconstructing the books of failed savings and loans."

He added: "I borrowed every penny to go to law school and have spent more than 30 years as a trial and appellate attorney representing ordinary people against corporations, insurance companies, and government … I've even successfully taken a case to the U.S. Supreme Court. I teach constitutional civil rights at two law schools."

According to BallotReady profile data, his work history also includes a law clerk position at the U.S. Attorney's Office and a legislative internship on the U.S. House of Representatives Banking Committee.

On the issues

Role of the attorney general: Asked about differences between himself and his opponent, Hricik said in our questionnaire: "The AG leads a 90-lawyer law firm that is supposed to protect you, your wallet, and our land and water … The office also handles securities regulation, constitutional law, structures of government, criminal appeals and select major criminal cases, because local solicitors handle virtually all day-to-day criminal cases."

"My opponent says the job is about one word - prosecutor. That's his career experience, but that is not the actual job of AG," Hricik said.

Consumer protection: Asked what cases he would bring first, Hricik said in our questionnaire: "The current AG's website says they don't investigate: debt collectors, insurance companies giving you the run around, medical billing you don't understand … On day one I'll fix the website, answer the phone and solve these problems for you."

Law enforcement: Asked how he would work with sheriffs and solicitors, Hricik said: "If law enforcement commits a crime against you or violates your rights, shouldn't they be held accountable? … The Rule of Law will apply to everyone. Equally. All the time."

Domestic violence: Hricik said on his campaign website that he would expand the attorney general's Violence Against Women prosecution unit and partner with SCCADVASA to build an early-intervention system.

Environmental protection: Hricik said on his campaign website that he would use the attorney general's office to pursue polluters and protect water resources.

Candidate responses were collected through the Fort Mill-Tega Cay Times candidate questionnaire. Answers are presented in the candidate's own words and have not been independently verified unless noted.