The portrait of Sen. Nikki Setzler was unveiled, Wednesday, in a ceremony in the Chamber of the South Carolina Senate. Setzler’s nine grandchildren unveiled the portrait that will hang on the upper wall of the three-story room.

“I absolutely loved serving in the serving in the South Carolina Senate,” said Setzler, who served for 48 years. He retired in 2024. Most of his district (Dist. 26) covered Lexington County. He retired as the longest-serving member of the SC Senate.

Setzler thanked his collogues, Wednesday, for their cooperation and bipartisanship over the years. He said his goal was always to do what was best for the people of the state.

Setzler worked to improve education; economic development; employment; healthcare; tourism; recreation; and conservation in his time as a state senator. Rev. Charles Jackson of West Columbia’s Brookland Baptist Church opened the ceremony with prayer. During the ceremony, several senators fondly recounted their experience with Setzler, including: Sens: Thomas Alexander; Harvey Peeler; Darrell Jackson; Shane Massey; Brad Hutto; and former Sen. John Land.