Early Voting Begins for South Carolina House District 88

Lexington, South Carolina, October 9, 2025

News Summary

Early voting for the Republican primary in South Carolina’s House District 88 has started and will run until October 17. This election follows the resignation of RJ May after serious legal issues. Four Republican candidates are vying for the position, with public safety and education management among their campaign priorities. The primary takes place on October 21, with a potential runoff leading to a special election in December against the Democratic candidate Chuck Hightower. Residents are encouraged to participate in this crucial election.

Lexington, South Carolina – Early voting for the Republican primary to fill the vacant seat in South Carolina House District 88 commenced on Monday, October 9, and will continue through October 17. The need for the special election arose after former representative RJ May resigned in August following his indictment on federal charges related to child sex abuse material. May later pleaded guilty to these charges.

The vacant seat represents areas in Lexington County, including Lexington, South Congaree, Pine Ridge, and Gaston. The primary election is scheduled for October 21, with the winner facing Democratic candidate Chuck Hightower, the sole Democrat to file for the position, in a special election set for December 23. Should a runoff be required following the primaries, it will take place from October 29 to October 31, with the runoff election day on November 4.

Early ballots can only be cast at the Lexington County Voter Registration Office, located at 605 West Main Street, with voting hours available Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Four Republicans are competing in this primary election: Brian Duncan, Lorelei Graye, John Lastinger, and Darren E. Rogers Sr. Candidates in this race have underscored their priorities, which include public safety, education management, improving public services, and discussions on the elimination of income taxes. Community values, growth management, and fiscal responsibility in government spending have also been focal points in their campaigns.

Chuck Hightower, the Democratic candidate, brings military experience as a decorated U.S. Army Colonel and academic prowess as a former professor recognized for excellence in teaching. His candidacy adds an intriguing dimension to the special election, as he seeks to bring a unique perspective to the vacant seat.

The vacancy created by R.J. May’s resignation and subsequent legal issues has fast-tracked political engagement within District 88, highlighting various community concerns that candidates are eager to address. The outcomes of the early voting and primary election are critical, as they will determine the representative who will confront pressing issues in this Lexington County district.

With just a few days left for early voters and the primary day approaching, residents are encouraged to participate in the democratic process, ensuring their voices are heard in this pivotal election.

Important Election Dates

• Early Voting: October 9 – October 17
• Primary Election Day: October 21
• Runoff Period: October 29 – October 31
• Runoff Election Day: November 4
• Special Election for General Seat: December 23

FAQ

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HERE Resources

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Lexington County Gears Up for Competitive Local Elections
Lexington County Elections Feature Competitive Races
South Carolina Lawmakers Resign, Special Elections Ahead
Historic Property Sold in Lexington for $600,000
Gray Collegiate Academy Delays Opening of Irmo Campus
Record-Breaking $9.25 Million Sale of Lake Murray Estate

Additional Resources

• WISTV: Early Voting Begins for SC House Seat
• Wikipedia: Early Voting in the United States
• The State: Opinion on Election Matters
• Google Search: South Carolina House District 88 Special Election
• Lexington Chronicle: Candidate Overview
• Google Scholar: Elections in South Carolina
• Fitsnews: Candidates Share Visions for RJ May’s District
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Election

Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON WRITER

The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexington.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.