Kay Patterson (born January 11, 1931) is an American politician who was a Democratic member of the South Carolina Senate, representing the 19th District from 1985 to his retirement in 2008. He was previously a member of the South Carolina House of Representatives from 1975 through 1985. As an outspoken and fiery speaker in his practice of politics, he has been a moving force in promoting and effectuating change in the state of South Carolina. He had long been a proponent for removal of the Confederate flag from the South Carolina State House dome.