People, politics involved in South Carolina House 88 election

Voters go to the polls Oct. 21 to cast ballots in the Republican primary for the special election to replace former state Rep. RJ May in the South Carolina's House District 88. May, who pleaded guilty to 5-counts of distributing child sex abuse materials, resigned his seat in the General Assembly in August.

The curated articles collectively capture the competitive nature and political dynamics in the special election. A key focus is on the race to replace May, with four Republicans and one Democrat emerging as hopefuls. These articles emphasize the backdrop of May's resignation amid legal troubles and the implications for the ongoing elections.

One article introduces the candidates: Brian Duncan, Lorelei Graye, John Lastinger, Darren E. Rogers and Joseph “Chuck” Hightower. It highlights their varied backgrounds and the issues they prioritize, such as growth management and public safety. In another report, the political tension between the SC Freedom Caucus and the House GOP is underscored, with both groups vying for influence over the candidates in the primaries. The race also presents an opportunity for women and less-funded candidates, as noted in discussions about special elections providing unique chances for political shifts.

Read the articles below:

Representative R.J. May, R-Lexington, watches as the South Carolina House of Representatives selects Murrell Smith, R-Sumter, as speaker on Tuesday, December 3, 2024. By Joshua Boucher

NO. 1: SUSPENDED SC STATE REP. RJ MAY RESIGNS AS HE FACES FEDERAL CHILD PORN CHARGES

State Rep. | Published August 11, 2025 | Read Full Story by Joseph Bustos

South Carolina House Freedom Caucus Vice Chairman R.J. May, R-Lexington, announces Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2022, that the caucus has filed suit against Lexington 1 School District over its alleged violation of a one-year state law that prohibits schools from using state money to teach or promote concepts associated with critical race theory. By Zak Koeske

NO. 2: WHO WANTS TO FINISH RJ MAY’S SC HOUSE TERM? HERE’S WHO FILED IN LEXINGTON COUNTY

Five hopefuls filed by Saturday’s deadline to complete former state Rep. | Published September 8, 2025 | Read Full Story by Joseph Bustos

Voting stickers at Hand Middle School on Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024. By Tracy Glantz

NO. 3: MOST SC LAWMAKERS ARE MEN. CAN WOMEN INCH CLOSER WITH 4 SPECIAL ELECTIONS?

There are zero Republican women serving in South Carolina’s Senate, but an upcoming special election could slightly shift the General Assembly’s demographics. | Published September 25, 2025 | Read Full Story by Lucy Valeski

NO. 4: SC SPECIAL ELECTIONS SET FIRST FREEDOM CAUCUS BALLOT BOX TEST SINCE RJ MAY ARREST

In the next month, the South Carolina General Assembly is set to have its first test of the S.C. | Published September 23, 2025 | Read Full Story by Joseph Bustos

The Republican candidates in the special election for State House District 88 are from left, Brian Duncan, Lorelei Graye, John Lastinger and Darren E. Rogers Sr. The Democratic candidate, right, is Joseph “Chuck” Hightower.

NO. 5: MEET THE FIVE CANDIDATES RUNNING TO REPLACE RJ MAY IN SC STATE HOUSE DISTRICT 88

There are four Republicans running in the Oct. | Published October 2, 2025 | Read Full Story by Matthew T. Hall

NO. 6: THE STATE ENDORSEMENT: OUR CHOICE IN THE SC HOUSE DISTRICT 88 REPUBLICAN PRIMARY

RJ May was flying high like Icarus just last year. | Published October 3, 2025 | Read Full Story by The McClatchy South Carolina Editorial Board

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.