South Carolina politician.

Trained as a lawyer. Served in South Carolina legislature, South Carolina militia, and Continental Congress (1784-87). Delegate to Constitutional Convention (1787); led campaign for ratification of the United States Constitution in South Carolina. Governor of South Carolina (1789-92, 1796-98, (1806-08). United States Senator (1798- 1801). Ambassador to Spain (1801-05).

Split with the Federalists in 1790s and became a leading spokesman for the Republican party.

Son of Charles and Frances (Brweton) Pinckney of South Carolina. Married Mary Eleanor Laurens, daughter of Henry Laurens in 1788; three children.