A leader with a clear vision.

Debra J. Gammons is an inspiring candidate for Mayor of Charleston, South Carolina. As a passionate public speaker and legal presenter with the Charleston School of Law, she stands firmly by her mission to advocate for equality and education – topics that had been ignited within her since early childhood. Having delivered presentations addressing topics such as diversity, bias, and violence against women – plus her 20 years of experience as an attorney – residents can feel confident entrusting this promising leader to sincerely care about them.

With an impressive background in leadership and academics, Gammons graduated from the College of Charleston with a Bachelor of Arts Degree. During each stage of her education, she was heavily involved on campus – as President of the Student Government and President of the Peer Mentor Association. Upon graduation, she earned the Bishop Robert Smith Award, which is the highest and most selective honor a graduating student can achieve at the College of Charleston. The Bishop Robert Smith Award was established by former President Theodore Stern to recognize students who demonstrate exceptional leadership and academic excellence. Debra went on to earn the Lucille Simmons Whipper Distinguished Professor Award as well as several others.

While earning her Juris Doctor at the University of South Carolina School Of Law, Debra was President of the Student Bar and served as the Associate Justice of the Moot Court Bar and as the President of the Public Interest Law Society.

Before she began practicing law in the Solicitor’s Office in Charleston, Debra served as Assistant City Attorney for Greenville, South Carolina, for eleven years – where she prosecuted criminal cases and represented the City of Greenville in civil actions. In addition to serving as Assistant Solicitor and Assistant City Attorney, Gammons has practiced and still practices in the private arena – litigating cases of medical malpractice, personal injury, child custody, divorces, and criminal defense. Gammons has represented both Plaintiffs and Defendants in civil cases.

Professor Gammons teaches Criminal Law, Constitutional Law, Freedom of Speech, Sex and Gender Issues and the Law, Trial Advocacy, and Street Law at Charleston School of Law. She also serves as the Director of the Office of Diversity Initiatives. A Certified Circuit Court Mediator, Debra is also a public speaker and legal presenter. Her presentations address issues of equality, bias, violence against females, diversity, and ethics.

Gammons lives a life of public service. She is a Delegate in the South Carolina Bar House of Delegates. As a past President of the Charleston County Bar Association, she was the first Brown or Black person to serve as President. She has also served as President of the Greenville County Bar Association.

Debra has served as Trustee on the College of Charleston Board of Trustees, as Commissioner of the South Carolina Supreme Court Commission on Lawyer Conduct, and as Chairperson of the College of Charleston Friends of the Library Board. She currently serves as Chairperson of Trinity Montessori School Board of Directors, a member of The Charleston Forum Board, a member of the College of Charleston Graduate School Advisory Board, and a member of the College of Charleston African American Studies Board.

In addition to teaching and practicing law, Gammons loves to read, run, write, fish, and dance. Her husband, Brian McQueen, is a commercial pilot and a certified flight instructor who currently works at Boeing. Their daughter, Bronwen, has held Assistant Principal positions in Dorchester County public schools and is currently working with Meeting Street Schools.

Debra Gammons’ lifelong ties to the community of Charleston, her stalwart public service, and her consistent and honest drive to ensure that all Charlestonians have equal access to everything that our amazing city has to offer.