A Greenville attorney fielded questions on the winner of the 2020 election and the January 6 Capitol insurrection during a nomination hearing for the federal bench.
A committee of the U.S. Senate reviewed the qualifications of Sheria Clarke and three other federal court nominees on March 25, considering whether they have the wherewithal to uphold the Constitution on the federal bench.
President Donald Trump nominated Clarke, a partner at the Nelson Mullins firm in Greenville, to fill a U.S. district judge vacancy in February. Clarke is the first Black woman to be nominated to the federal court bench by the president since he took office for a second term.
Sen. Tim Scott, R-South Carolina, introduced Clarke at the Senate hearing and commended her unconventional background as a homeschooled student and a psychology major at Liberty University. She joined the litigation team at Nelson Mullins in July 2024. Before that, she worked with the U.S. Department of Justice as an assistant U.S. attorney and served as counsel for the U.S. House of Representatives’ Ethics Committee.
Scott said he first met Clarke about 15 years ago and that she has one of the most “outstanding” characters he has ever seen. He described her as modest, even-tempered, and smart and said he is proud to support her nomination.
“Sheria has built a distinguished legal career based on service,” Scott said. “If more people were like Sheria Clarke, the world would be a better place.”
If appointed, Clarke would become the next judge for the U.S. District of South Carolina, filling a vacancy left by former U.S. District Judge Bryan Harwell. Clarke also spoke at the hearing, saying it is an honor to be considered. She brought her parents, husband, three kids, friends, and mother-in-law to stand alongside her for her nomination hearing.
Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, first questioned Clarke about what she learned from working with both Democrats and Republicans on Capitol Hill and how she would apply that experience on the bench. Clarke responded by saying she tried to treat everyone with humility and respect.
“I tried to be fair and impartial with my dealings with everyone,” Clarke said. “I hope that my experience on the Hill building relationships, being kind to those, will carry with me if I am so fortunate as to be confirmed.”
Clarke and the three other nominees were later criticized by Democratic Senate committee members for giving vague answers about the integrity of the 2020 election and the 2021 Capitol insurrection.
Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Connecticut, first asked nominee Kara Westercamp who won the 2020 election, who had tweeted about former President Joe Biden’s win, saying a “certified lie is still a lie.” Westercamp responded that what matters in an election is who the Electoral College votes for, but she refused to say Biden won the election.
Blumenthal called the answer “canned” and “ridiculous.” The Connecticut senator then asked Clarke the same question, who began to answer as Westercamp had, but was interrupted by Blumenthal.
“I am just amazed by the insult to this committee of witness after witness seeking to be a federal judge, subverting the Constitution, and showing how you have no independence,” Blumenthal said.
The hearing lasted about two hours on March 25, and nominees now have to submit their written responses to the questions. Clarke must be confirmed by a majority vote in the full U.S. Senate to formally assume the position.
Bella Carpentier covers the South Carolina legislature, state, and Greenville County politics. Contact her at bcarpentier@gannett.com