Arnold Goodstein Biography – Arnold Goodstein Wiki

Arnold Goodstein is an American lawyer who formerly served as a state senator, highway commissioner, and home builder. His political career includes serving in the South Carolina Senate from 1969 to 1970 and again from 1975 to 1979. As a member of the Democratic Party, he represented Charleston County in the House of Representatives from 1971 to 1973.

Goodstein’s education began in the public schools of North Charleston. He held the position of student body president at North Charleston High School in 1962. In 1966, he completed his Bachelor of Arts at Davidson College and earned his Juris Doctor, graduating Cum Laude from the University of South Carolina in 1971.

During his time at Davidson, Goodstein was involved as a Judge of the Honor Court and served as a Cadet Captain in the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC). He also participated in Wig & Robe and was a member of Temple Beth Elohim.

Goodstein began his legal career with the firm Goodstein, Bowling, Douglas & Phillips and later partnered at Goodstein & Goodstein, P.A., alongside his wife Diana Goodstein in Summerville. He was the long-standing attorney for the Charleston County Aviation Authority and currently owns Goodstein Law Firm LLC in Summerville, South Carolina.

Military Service

In 1966, Goodstein served as an Armored Cavalry Officer on active duty. As Combat Advisor to the South Vietnamese Army, he received the Bronze Star twice for his heroism and was recognized for his bravery by the South Vietnamese Government. He was injured during the 1968 Tet Offensive and also held the rank of captain in the South Carolina Army National Guard.

Home Builder

Goodstein led Summerville Homes, which was at one time a major home-building company in the region, until it closed in 2008. He faced bankruptcy, filing for $61 million, which was discharged in 2011.

Arnold Goodstein Age

Arnold Samuel Goodstein was born on April 17, 1944 in Florence, South Carolina, to parents Melton A. and Carolyn F. Goodstein.

Arnold Goodstein Wife

Arnold Goodstein is married to Circuit Court Judge Diane Goodstein. He was previously married to Cynthia Lovay.

Arnold Goodstein Family

Arnold Goodstein and his wife, judge Diana Goodstein, have two children, Arnold Samuel Goodstein, II and Eve Schafer Goodstein. They are members of the Charleston Temple Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim (KKBE). He had one daughter, Carmel Ann, from his first marriage to Cynthia Lovay.

Arnold Goodstein Political Party

Arnold Goodstein is a Democratic.

House Fire

On October 5, 2025, the St. Paul’s Fire District received reports of a fire with entrapment at a home in a gated area off Planters Retreat in Jeremy Cay on Edisto Island. The home is linked to former state Sen. Arnold Goodstein (D-Charleston) and his wife, Circuit Court Judge Diane Goodstein.

SPFD responded to assist the Edisto Beach Fire Department in extinguishing the fire and looking for occupants. According to officials, the occupants escaped the home by jumping from an elevated first floor. Three people were taken to the Medical University of South Carolina: One was airlifted and the other two were taken by ambulance. The current condition of the victims are unknown.

The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division is investigating the incident, though it is not yet clear what caused the large property to burn to the ground, WYFF News 4 reported.

Also Read: Judge Diane Goodstein: Biography, Spouse, Political Affiliation, and Salary Information