LEXINGTON, S.C. — Lexington County House District 88 heads into the Nov. 3 general election with Republican incumbent John Lastinger facing Democratic challenger Jeremy Jones, after both campaigns laid out sharp differences on taxes, data centers and growth.
Lastinger, 72, a pastor who lives in West Columbia, won the seat in a December 2025 special election and is seeking a full term. Jones advanced when the Democratic primary was canceled. Early in-person voting runs Oct. 19 through Oct. 31.
On taxes, Jones wants higher rates on incomes above $5 million and property and income tax relief for seniors, people with disabilities and first responders. Lastinger backs further cuts to the state income tax, less spending and ending property taxes for seniors as a starting point.
Data centers split them too. Jones favors a ban on new facilities plus fees so projects cover their own costs. Lastinger says the state should not chase the industry with incentives, keep them off prime farmland and make developers pay for power and noise mitigation.
Both say District 88 roads and schools need work as the county grows. Ballot records list Lastinger as the sitting Republican for District 88 and confirm Jones is the Democratic nominee for the Nov. 3 ballot.
South Carolina House members serve two-year terms with no term limits, so whoever wins will face voters again in 2028.
