Todd Rutherford holds a B.A. from Howard University and a J.D. from the University of South Carolina. He began his career as a legislative assistant and later served as an Assistant Solicitor specializing in narcotics and drug cases. Rutherford founded the Rutherford Law Firm in 1998 and has also owned several businesses, including 3 Tech Integrated Systems and 803 Trucking, LLC. He has held various leadership roles within the South Carolina General Assembly, including Minority Leader, and has been influential in legislative efforts regarding the Confederate flag and medical marijuana.

Todd Rutherford's political identity is marked by a strategic blend of progressive social policies with an underlying focus on regional economic interests. His legislative initiative to replace the Confederate battle flag with the South Carolina state flag in 2007 reveals a nuanced approach to contentious cultural symbols, balancing historical sensitivity with political pragmatism. Rutherford's pioneering role in advocating for medical marijuana in South Carolina through the "Put Patients First Act" in 2014 showcases an unexpected progressive stance in a traditionally conservative region. His calculated approach to these issues suggests a politician who carefully navigates local sensitivities while pushing for broader social reforms.