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Republican Pastor Wins SC House Seat Amid Controversy

12/24/2025

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Summary

Story summary

John Lastinger, a Republican pastor, won the South Carolina House District 88 special election.
He defeated Democrat Joseph 'Chuck' Hightower in a reliably Republican district and will serve until next November.
RJ May resigned after pleading guilty to five counts of distributing child sexual abuse material, and sentencing is scheduled for January, with the South Carolina Freedom Caucus criticizing the House for not expelling May.

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Story summary

John Lastinger, a Republican pastor, won the South Carolina House District 88 special election.
He defeated Democrat Joseph 'Chuck' Hightower in a reliably Republican district and will serve until next November.
RJ May resigned after pleading guilty to five counts of distributing child sexual abuse material, and sentencing is scheduled for January, with the South Carolina Freedom Caucus criticizing the House for not expelling May.