Republican John Lastinger Wins Special Election in South Carolina House District 88 Amid Scandal
Republican John Lastinger emerged victorious in the special election for a South Carolina state House seat that was left vacant by former state Rep. RJ May, who faced legal troubles related to distributing child sexual abuse material. Lastinger, a pastor, secured the win over Democrat and retired Army colonel Joseph “Chuck” Hightower in House District 88, which covers Lexington County. The seat became available when May resigned in August following charges of distributing such material. May later pleaded guilty to five counts and is awaiting sentencing in January, facing the possibility of significant prison time. The South Carolina Freedom Caucus, co-founded by May, expressed relief at his resignation but criticized the state House for not expelling him. Lastinger, a staunch conservative Republican, emphasized his support for Christian values, pro-life policies, and Second Amendment rights during his campaign. He will hold the District 88 seat until the next fall, with the option to run for a full term in the upcoming midterms by filing this spring.