Meet the five candidates running to replace RJ May in SC State House District 88
There are four Republicans running in the Oct. 21 GOP primary election to finish the term of disgraced former state lawmaker RJ May and represent Lexington County in State House District 88. A runoff election would be held on Nov. 4 if no candidate gets more than half the vote. The top vote-getter will face the lone Democrat vying for the seat in a special election on Dec. 23.
I surveyed all five candidates to ask them about their priorities and perspectives. The answers are below.
Every candidate received six questions and 250 words of room for each answer. The interviews were edited for accuracy, clarity and style and published in their entirety. The McClatchy South Carolina Editorial Board will publish an endorsement in the race soon, but we are publishing the Q&As first so readers can assess the candidates on their own.
Early voting begins Monday, and you can find a location here. Find your polling place here to vote on Election Day. If this public service helps, please consider supporting our journalism here. Your subscriptions and support make this massive undertaking possible, so thank you for reading this. If you have questions about our interviews or eventual endorsements, please email me.
Meet the candidates
Republican Darren E. Rogers Sr.
Democrat Joseph “Chuck” Hightower
Brian Duncan
Q: What are your top three priorities for South Carolina and why?
A: While every legislator votes on issues that affect the entire state, my first responsibility is to the people of District 88. Sadly, our community has gone almost a year without a real voice in Columbia. My top priority is to restore that voice and make sure the concerns of our families and neighborhoods are represented in every decision I make.
Second is public safety. Safe communities are the foundation of a strong district. I will fight for a zero tolerance policy on fentanyl and major drug trafficking, push for longer sentences and no bond for violent offenders, and ensure criminals caught with illegal firearms face the toughest penalties. Just as important, I will fully support law enforcement, first responders and victims’ rights.
Third is managing growth. Our roads, schools and services have not kept pace with the growth we have experienced. I will fight for our fair share of road funding and demand a plan that improves safety and relieves congestion. Growth must be smart and responsible, with infrastructure and public safety in place before large developments move forward.
District 88 deserves strong and accountable leadership. That is the voice I will bring to Columbia.
Q: What more should the state do to improve public education?
A: The state must do more to empower parents and strengthen our schools. Parents, not bureaucrats, should make decisions for their children. That means giving families a voice in what their children are taught and ensuring schools are accountable for how they spend tax dollars. Transparency in curriculum and spending is essential to building trust.
We also have to keep political agendas and personal views out of the classroom. Students deserve an education focused on academics, skills and character — not indoctrination or bias. Recent events, like professors celebrating political violence, show how damaging it is when education turns into a platform for personal ideology. That must never happen in our K-12 schools.
Teachers should be supported in focusing on the basics — reading, writing, math, science and history — without distractions. And in fast-growing communities like District 88, the state must make sure schools, roads and public safety are in place before new developments move forward. Our district cannot be left behind.
Strong schools, free from politics and built on parental involvement, are the foundation of a stronger South Carolina. That is what I will fight for every day.
Q: How would you meet housing, energy and infrastructure needs due to growth?
A: Growth should pay for growth. Our community has experienced rapid development, but the roads, schools and services that families depend on have not kept up. My priority will be to make sure District 88 receives its fair share of state road funding and that every project improves safety, relieves congestion and supports a better quality of life.
Infrastructure must come first. Large developments should not move forward unless the schools, roads and public safety are in place to support them. That is the only way to protect families already here while planning responsibly for those who are moving in.
Housing must also be addressed with common sense. Families deserve affordable options, but growth should not come at the expense of overcrowded schools or unsafe roads. Responsible planning means balancing new development with the needs of existing communities.
Energy is critical as South Carolina grows. We cannot afford unreliable service or rising costs. That is why I support expanding natural gas capacity and investing in new technologies like small modular nuclear reactors. These reactors are advancing rapidly, and South Carolina should be leading the way in exploring these options. Affordable, reliable power is essential to families, businesses and economic growth.
Growth is inevitable, but how we manage it will determine the future of District 88. With strong leadership and responsible planning, we can make sure growth strengthens our community instead of leaving it behind.
Q: Should the state eliminate income taxes? Why? If so, how should it adjust spending?
A: South Carolina should work toward the day we can eliminate the state income tax. House Republicans made real progress this year by cutting rates and decoupling from federal tax policy, but we can and must do more to keep our state competitive in the Southeast.
My goal is a zero income tax future. To get there, we need to be aggressive and thoughtful. Some states that removed income taxes simply raised taxes somewhere else. That does not help families. Any plan we pursue must ensure South Carolinians actually keep more of their hard-earned money in their pockets.
Step one is discipline on spending. I own and run a small business. I review the books, cut waste and make sure every dollar has a purpose. We need that same mindset in Columbia. State agencies should be able to justify every dollar in their budgets. Programs that do not deliver results should be ended, and savings should go back to taxpayers.
At the same time, we should continue to lower rates for families and small businesses while growing the economy without growing government. More jobs and investment mean more opportunity and a broader base, which helps us responsibly phase down the income tax over time.
The destination is clear: zero income tax. The path is responsible budgeting, real accountability and pro growth policies that let South Carolinians keep more of what they earn.
Q: Assess the South Carolina House Freedom Caucus’ goals and approach to governing.
A: Our previous state representative was a founding member of the Freedom Caucus, and look where that left District 88. For almost a year, our community has gone without a voice in Columbia. Allegiance to a caucus may get headlines, but it does nothing to fix roads, improve schools or make our communities safer.
I am a conservative, and I will vote in line with the values of this district. But I also believe results matter. The people of District 88 are not sending me to Columbia to play caucus politics. They are sending me to get things done.
My approach to governing is simple. Listen to the people I represent. Stand firm on conservative principles like lower taxes, law and order and parental rights. And work with my colleagues to make sure our district gets its fair share. That means fighting for road funding, supporting our schools and backing law enforcement so families feel safe.
I will not be defined by a caucus label. I will be defined by whether I deliver for District 88. That is the standard I will hold myself to, and that is what people deserve from their representative.
Q: Why should voters choose you over your opponents in this election?
A: District 88 needs strong, proven conservative leadership — the kind of leadership President Donald Trump has shown on the national stage. Like him, I believe in putting our people first, standing firm on our principles, and getting results that make a real difference.
I am not a politician. I am a Christian, a husband, a dad, a decorated military veteran and a small business owner. My time in the South Carolina Air National Guard taught me that when you care about something, you step up and do your part. Service does not stop when the uniform comes off, and I want to continue that service in Columbia.
I bring experience that matters. I am a proven leader with 20 years of military service and the discipline that comes with it. I am a trusted public servant who has spent more than a decade serving on community boards and commissions. I am fiscally conservative, committed to cutting waste and protecting taxpayer dollars. I support law enforcement and public safety because stronger, safer communities are the foundation of a strong district.
Most importantly, I am rooted here. I am a lifelong Lexington County resident raising my family in this community, and I will be accessible, accountable and responsive to the people I serve.
Our district has gone almost a year without a real voice. I will restore that voice, fight for our values and work every day to make life better for our families, our businesses and our community.
Lorelei Graye
Q: What are your top three priorities for South Carolina and why?
A: Transparency, education, law and order, and taxes are highest on my list.
To put my time and energy into conservative efforts in legislation that reflects my faith, our family and community values, as well as our constitutional rights.
To bring fresh energy and ideas to Columbia that better represent the heart of our district 88 and benefit all South Carolinians.
Q: What more should the state do to improve public education?
A: Focus on core education that develops the next generation of competitive, skilled labor and professionals from South Carolina. And let us focus on delivering measurable results, such as continuing to increase test scores.
Ensure parental rights at school (and in medical settings).
Find ways to reduce the student-teacher ratio.
Ensure homeschooling options are protected
Q: How would you meet housing, energy and infrastructure needs due to growth?
A: Responsible development requires cooperation at all levels of government to address taxpayer concerns in communities, such as budgeting for sufficient roadways and schools as well as emergency services that can support the growing population.
Q: Should the state eliminate income taxes? Why? If so, how should it adjust spending?
A: Yes, if possible, we should look for ways to remove loopholes that do not directly benefit taxpayers but, through elimination, can balance the budget without income taxes. I look forward to digging into our state budget and identifying measurable results from the investment of our tax dollars.
Q: Assess the South Carolina House Freedom Caucus’ goals and approach to governing.
A: I am conservative and support conservative efforts. My vote will always be conservative. I put the people over the politics.
Q: Why should voters choose you over your opponents in this election?
A: I am self-funding as much as possible. I am different because I do not have powerful friends in government, I am not backed by special interests, and I do not have caucus or elected official endorsements. I am a Lexington native and a businessperson with global and small business experience, too. I have personally benefited from growing up here in Lexington schools, working with local businesses, and having the support of our community in my career; it is time to give back to my hometown and to South Carolina.
John Lastinger
Q: What are your top three priorities for South Carolina and why?
A:
1. Managing growth and infrastructure — South Carolina is experiencing explosive growth, and it is overwhelming our roads, schools, sewer systems, law enforcement and other essential services. We must slow down unchecked development, invest heavily in infrastructure and put citizens’ quality of life ahead of uncontrolled expansion.
2. Refocusing education — Our education system has drifted from its true purpose. We need to return to the fundamentals of reading, writing, math, science and history, taught without political bias. Schools should be producing informed citizens, skilled workers and entrepreneurs who are ready to succeed and keep the American Dream alive.
3. Restoring unity in leadership — Divisions and power struggles in Columbia are undermining progress. Whether it is fights between caucuses or partisan gridlock, a house divided cannot stand. South Carolina needs leaders who will set aside egos, put citizens first and unite around our core priorities of limited government, public safety and protecting our freedoms.
Q: What more should the state do to improve public education?
A: Public education has strayed from its foundational purpose. Over time, we’ve seen more government control, a weakening of core values and the rise of ideologies that conflict with traditional beliefs. Today, students spend too much time on social agendas, while reading, writing, math, science and history take a backseat. Teacher preparation programs often promote philosophies that reject God, family and country, undermining the nation’s future.
The solution is to DOGE our education system. This will ensure our schools produce informed, disciplined and responsible citizens who are prepared to defend liberty, uphold Godly values and strengthen their communities for generations to come.
Q: How would you meet housing, energy and infrastructure needs due to growth?
A: District 88 is experiencing rapid growth, and Lexington County as a whole has over 17,000 homes still in the pipeline waiting to be built. This growth is putting serious pressure on our water and sewer systems, power supply and essential services such as law enforcement, fire and emergency medical response. Right now, we are like a boat taking on water, and we need to plug the holes before the problem consumes us.
The solution requires a cohesive plan between state lawmakers, County Council and municipal governments. Lawmakers can provide local officials with better tools, including ensuring that any new growth pays for itself and does not burden existing residents. There are bills in committee addressing impact fees and infrastructure signoffs, but so far they have not moved. I am ready to be part of the solution, working to protect our resources, strengthen our infrastructure, and ensure that future growth is planned and responsible.
Q: Should the state eliminate income taxes? Why? If so, how should it adjust spending?
A: Earlier this year, South Carolina lowered the top marginal income tax rate, which is a good first step as we have the highest rate in the Southeast. But we must move faster to give citizens meaningful relief and spur economic growth.
We must study states like Florida, Tennessee and Texas, which operate without a personal income tax, while maintaining strong services, including roads, education and public safety. Potential partners like DOGE SC may be able to help streamline government, reduce waste and implement proven models so South Carolina can deliver essential services more efficiently, eliminate the income tax and create a stronger and more prosperous future for all of our citizens.
Q: Assess the South Carolina House Freedom Caucus’ goals and approach to governing.
A: I’ve been a pastor for 47 years and married for 50, helping individuals, couples and families work through tough situations and find common ground. In government, I bring that same approach: rolling up my sleeves, talking straight and finding practical solutions. Doing what is right is more important than trying to score political points, no matter what caucus someone belongs to. Citizens come first. My life has been about building bridges, and I’m ready to hit the ground running for our district and our state.
I will promote our shared biblical values in defending families and our way of life. We must be able to work efficiently, and legislation only passes if it gets through the House and Senate to accomplish what the people sent us to the State House to do.
As Proverbs teaches, when there is evil or wrong leadership, the people groan. My goal is to hear South Carolina’s citizens make joyful sounds, and that will happen with a fair, effective and results-driven legislature in action.
Q: Why should voters choose you over your opponents in this election?
A: I’m 71 years old, and still pastor at The EDGE Church on Platt Springs Road, the same church I’ve led for 47 years. I bring a lifetime of experience, common sense and a focus on serving people and families to get practical work done for our community.
Christ taught that blessed are the peacemakers. My desire is to bring peace, move forward, be redemptive and help make things better. To do that, we need to walk together and be in agreement. I would like to bring us together the best we can to move forward.
I believe in working hard, talking straight and finding solutions that serve the people first. My life has been about building bridges and helping people live their best lives, and I’m prepared to hit the ground running to serve our district and our state.
We all need prayers for God’s grace and guidance, and I’m committed to doing the work faithfully and effectively as the commonsense conservative Republican, keeping the focus where it belongs on God, family and country.
Darren E. Rogers Sr.
Q: What are your top three priorities for South Carolina and why?
A: Reduction and eventual elimination of property tax. This can be done and will add to affordable housing while at the same time it will promote business.
Q: What more should the state do to improve public education?
A: Our teachers in this state are excellent. Red tape should be removed to every extent possible and teachers should be allowed to teach. More money needs to be diverted from administration and into the classroom.
Q: How would you meet housing, energy and infrastructure needs due to growth?
A: We have neglected our infrastructure needs for entirely too long. Our roads are in a condition where we are actually killing citizens who attempt to use them. Affordable housing can be helped by getting real estate taxes eventually eliminated. We have to address surface water problems and waste management. I would support consolidation of water and sewer services and state assistance in consolidating these services. Such consolidation would eliminate duplication of administrative costs and make the delivery of services much more affordable and easier.
We also need to develop a systemic approach to rehabilitating our water and sewer delivery systems. We need to find ways to upgrade our highway system. I would attempt to find other ways to upgrade other than taxation. On the other hand, we have to have adequate resources in order to make our highways work as they should.
Q: Should the state eliminate income taxes? Why? If so, how should it adjust spending?
A: The state operates on taxes at this time. One of the problems we have is we are trying to run 21st-century government on 19th-century revenue vehicles. We choke our ability to provide funding by virtue of the fact that we rely exclusively on sales tax, income tax, property tax and a few others. There are ways to increase revenue and reduce taxes at the same time if we will think in an innovative and creative fashion.
Q: Assess the South Carolina House Freedom Caucus’ goals and approach to governing.
A: Governments should be of the people, by the people and for the people. Such governments mean input from everyone and not simply from people with very rigid goals. It is important to work with everyone in the House and to resume the system of compromise which has worked so well for us over the years. I do not believe rigidity is the answer to legitimate government in South Carolina.
Q: Why should voters choose you over your opponents in this election?
A: All of the people running are fine individuals. We all have our individual strengths and our individual weaknesses. I am chairman of the Lexington County Mental Health Board and I have served on the board for 22 years. I have operated a business, and I know what it means to make a payroll. I believe I have some innovative ideas, which, if approved at least in part, could reduce our tax burden, promote education, ease our traffic situation, and improve our infrastructure. I care very much about the quality of life in South Carolina and would like to see us do better.
Joseph “Chuck” Hightower
Q: What are your top three priorities for South Carolina and why?
A:
1. Public education — So that our kids can compete on all levels. Equity in education, retain and hire great teachers, promote safety, law enforcement and a literacy-rich environment in our schools while ending gun violence.
2. Health care for the elderly and underprivileged (poverty)
3. Support and being a strong advocate for our veterans and women’s rights
4. Making the best of South Carolina available, affordable and accessible (food, health insurance and equity in education)
Q: What more should the state do to improve public education?
A: Support raising salaries for qualified teachers. Work with education leaders to determine best possible and supportable means to retain teachers and staff. Help alleviate the administrative burden of teachers.
Q: How would you meet housing, energy and infrastructure needs due to growth?
A: Lexington County is growing, and industry is flourishing in the Midlands. We must promote responsible growth and ensure our community remains a great place to live, to be educated, work and raise a family.
Q: Should the state eliminate income taxes? Why? If so, how should it adjust spending?
A: South Carolina has great deductions, such as for military retirement income and a retirement deduction for seniors and no tax on Social Security benefits. South Carolina has a wide-ranging tax system, so the idea that no state taxes impact the state is false, while it offers tax advantages, such as not taxing Social Security benefits, residents are subject to state income tax, sales tax and property tax, among others.
Ultimately, the best option for South Carolina depends on the impact it will have on our citizens and the ability to retain. It will make our state more competitive to prospective residents and workers. Bottom line: Yes, South Carolina should progress toward eliminating the state tax, but cautionary with critical emphasis placed on longevity and best option for those already having a tough time meeting expenses.
Tax cuts encourage people to work, save and invest more. This allows our citizens and workers to have more disposable income available to spend on necessities and enjoyable activities. It will make South Carolina more competitive to prospective residents and workers.
Q: How would you approach lawmaking as a member of the minority political party?
A: Willing and will reach across the aisle to resolve issues (listen, learn and then lead) that’s best suitable for our citizens. Realizing that there will be differences that need to be approached professionally but with dignity and respect.
Q: Why should voters choose you over your opponent in this election?
A: I recognize that my seat in the House will belong to the people and not me. I’m running to represent District 88 to bring the values of service and sacrifice I learned in the Army to the State House. We need serious leaders focused on supporting Lexington County, and we need to restore the sense of honor and duty in public service.
I will take action and get results. I have no intentions of being a status quo representative. Willing to fight to ensure issues are resolved to the best benefit of our district citizens and the state.
This story was originally published October 2, 2025 at 5:00 AM.