Thomas Sumter (August 14, 1734 – June 1, 1832) is a soldier in the Colony of Virginia militia; a brigadier general in the South Carolina militia during the American War of Independence, a planter, and a politician.

After the United States gains independence, he is elected to the United States House of Representatives and to the United States Senate, where he serves from 1801 to 1810, when he retires.

Sumter is nicknamed the "Carolina Gamecock," for his fierce fighting style against British soldiers after they burn down his house during the Revolution.