[1] He made national news when he introduced legislation to extend the death penalty to child rapists.

"[3][4] Additionally, Bryant is an outspoken critic of government spending;[5] he is a founding member of the William Wallace Caucus, a group of conservative senators who favor a laissez-faire approach to government policy and were fervid supporters of former Governor Mark Sanford.

[6][7] Bryant opposes same-sex marriage and supports a Constitutional amendment that would outlaw the practice,[8] and he believes that man-made global warming is a myth.

[9] Bryant is a Creationist who believes the entire Universe was created in a literal 6 days approximately 6,000 years ago.

Hugh Leatherman, the Senate president pro tempore, refused to become lieutenant governor per the South Carolina Constitution; Leatherman temporarily resigned as president pro tempore, and Bryant was elected to the position on January 25.