Representative Cally R. “Cal” Forrest, Jr. is a lifelong conservative leader who has been honored to serve the people of South Carolina House District 39, representing Lexington and Saluda counties, since 2016. A Republican from Saluda, he is seeking re‑election to continue his work defending our shared values, advancing responsible economic growth, and giving a strong voice to rural communities in Columbia.
Local roots and family
Cal was born in 1977 and grew up in small‑town South Carolina, learning early the importance of faith, family, and hard work. A graduate of Batesburg‑Leesville High School, he has deep ties to the people and communities he now represents in the General Assembly. Those local roots shape his priorities at the State House, where he consistently focuses on issues that matter to families, small businesses, farmers, and landowners in Lexington and Saluda counties.
Service in the South Carolina House
First elected in 2016, Cal has served continuously in the South Carolina House of Representatives and is running for another term representing District 39. He currently serves on the powerful Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs Committee and as Vice Chairman of the House Rules Committee, giving our area a strong voice on how the House operates and on policies that affect agriculture, land use, and natural resources. Over multiple sessions he has been reappointed to these key committees, reflecting the respect of his colleagues and his steady, principled leadership.
Recognized conservative, pro‑business leadership
Throughout his tenure, Cal has built a record as a reliable conservative vote who supports economic growth, job creation, and a strong business climate while respecting private property rights. He has been recognized by organizations such as the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce, which named him a Business Advocate, and by agricultural and green industry groups that have honored his work on behalf of farmers, landowners, and the broader rural economy. His legislative record reflects a careful, practical approach: standing up for taxpayers, defending constitutional freedoms, and working to make state government more accountable and responsive.
Community involvement and leadership development
Cal’s service extends beyond the House chamber into a wide range of civic and professional organizations. He has been active in conservation and natural resources efforts, firearms safety and Second Amendment education, and fraternal and community groups such as B‑L Lodge #138, where he has emphasized fellowship, service, and engagement. He has also completed leadership programs including Leadership Lexington District Three and the South Carolina Institute of Medicine and Public Health Health Policy Fellowship, experiences that strengthened his ability to navigate complex policy issues while keeping local priorities front and center.
A proven voice for Saluda and Lexington
As he seeks re‑election, Cal is running on a record of consistent conservative representation, strong committee influence, and hands‑on engagement with the citizens of District 39. He remains committed to protecting rural communities, supporting law enforcement, defending life and the Second Amendment, and ensuring that the voices of Lexington and Saluda counties are heard clearly in Columbia.
For Cal, public service is about being accessible, listening carefully, and voting his district’s values—not the agenda of Columbia insiders or special interests.
