Columbia, South Carolina, August 18, 2025
News Summary
The resignations of three South Carolina lawmakers, including Representative R.J. May amid federal charges, trigger special elections. The upcoming contests will fill vacated seats, with candidates already declaring their interest. Political momentum is shifting as these elections approach, reflecting ongoing scrutiny of ethical standards in the state government.
Columbia, South Carolina – Lawmakers Resign Amid Criminal Investigations, Triggering Special Elections
Columbia, SC – Three South Carolina lawmakers have resigned, leading to an upcoming series of special elections. Representative R.J. May, a Republican from Lexington, resigned on August 11, 2025, amidst serious legal troubles, including 10 federal charges related to the distribution of child sex abuse material. His resignation follows that of State Senator Roger Nutt, who announced his departure due to a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease, and State Representative Bobby Cox, who left to pursue Nutt’s vacant Senate seat.
The resignations have created three open seats that will be contested in December special elections. Filing for candidates will commence on August 29 and conclude on September 6, which will be followed by a primary election scheduled for October 21 and a general special election on December 23.
Details of Resignations and Upcoming Elections
Representative R.J. May’s resignation comes after a raid on his home on August 5, where federal law enforcement agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security, seized multiple electronic devices. May has faced criticism from within the government, with an ethics complaint lodged against him by House Majority Leader Davey Hiott, focusing on his business dealings with other House members. Despite his resignation, the House Ethics Committee plans to proceed with their investigation into May’s activities.
May has not made public appearances following the raid and is reportedly difficult to reach for constituents. He has a court pretrial conference set for August 20, 2025, although his attorney has requested a postponement. With 13,020 of the 14,124 votes cast in his last election, May’s House District 88, which encompasses much of Lexington County, is now open for a new representative, prompting various candidates, including write-in candidate Brian Duncan and newcomer Lorelei Graye, to declare their interest.
State Senator Roger Nutt’s resignation opens up his Senate seat in District 12, which covers areas of Spartanburg County and sections of Greenville, where 57,330 votes were cast in the previous general election. Nutt narrowly defeated former state Senator Lee Bright in a runoff primary by less than three points last year, making this seat competitive for both parties. Meanwhile, State Representative Bobby Cox’s resignation from House District 21 allows him to run for Nutt’s former position. Cox won his last election with 18,184 out of 18,503 votes, demonstrating substantial support in Greenville County.
Sparking Political Change
The fallout from these resignations indicates a shift in South Carolina’s political landscape, as campaigns begin for the upcoming special elections. Political momentum is building against R.J. May, with Brian Duncan’s write-in campaign marking significant developments ahead, even with the historical challenges that come with this approach. The upcoming elections will be closely watched as they may signal changing voter sentiments propelled by the ongoing legal troubles in the statehouse.
Background Context
The resignations come at a time when lawmakers are under increased scrutiny regarding ethical behavior and accountability. The House Ethics Committee is investigating several issues affecting various members, with May’s case drawing particular attention due to the severity of the charges against him. Previous investigative efforts have led to substantial discussions about ethical standards within the South Carolina legislature.
With the special elections quickly approaching, new candidates and existing lawmakers must prepare vigorously to address their constituents’ concerns while positioning themselves effectively to win the hearts and minds of voters in critical districts.
FAQs
1. Why did Representative R.J. May resign?
Representative R.J. May resigned due to facing 10 federal charges related to the distribution of child sex abuse material. His resignation came after a raid on his home that resulted in the seizure of electronic devices.
2. What other lawmakers resigned simultaneously?
Alongside May, State Senator Roger Nutt resigned due to an Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis, and State Representative Bobby Cox stepped down to run for Nutt’s Senate seat.
3. When will the special elections take place?
The special elections will occur in December, with candidate filing opening on August 29 and closing on September 6, a primary election on October 21, and the general special election on December 23.
4. What areas do the resigned lawmakers represent?
R.J. May represented House District 88 in Lexington County, Roger Nutt represented Senate District 12, which includes Spartanburg County and parts of Greenville, and Bobby Cox served House District 21 in Greenville County.
5. Who is running to replace R.J. May?
Individuals expressing interest in R.J. May’s vacant seat include write-in candidate Brian Duncan and newcomer Lorelei Graye.
Key Features of the Article
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Resigned Lawmakers | R.J. May, Roger Nutt, Bobby Cox |
| Major Charges against May | 10 federal charges related to child sex abuse material |
| Dates of Special Elections | Filing: Aug 29 – Sep 6; Primary: Oct 21; General: Dec 23 |
| Key Candidates | Brian Duncan (write-in), Lorelei Graye (newcomer) |
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Additional Resources
- The State: Lawmakers Resign Amid Criminal Investigations
- Wikipedia: South Carolina
- WIS TV: Political Mailers in Lexington County
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Politics
- Post and Courier: R.J. May’s Election
- Google Search: South Carolina politics
- Spectrum Local News: South Carolina News
- Google Scholar: South Carolina lawmakers resign
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.
