Spartanburg, SC, August 12, 2025
News Summary
South Carolina’s State Senate and House will see special elections due to recent resignations. State Sen. Roger Nutt resigns following an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, while Rep. RJ May faces legal troubles. The candidate filing for Nutt’s seat opens soon, with primary elections scheduled for October and general elections for December. Voters will have a chance to influence legislative representation amidst these significant changes.
South Carolina Special Elections Announced Following Resignations of Lawmakers
Spartanburg, SC – South Carolina’s legislative landscape is set to shift as two special elections are slated to fill recent vacancies in the State Senate and House of Representatives. These elections have emerged following the resignations of State Sen. Roger Nutt and House District 21 Rep. Bobby Cox, as well as Rep. Robert J. “RJ” May III due to health issues and legal troubles, respectively.
Details on the Resignations
State Sen. Roger Nutt (R-Spartanburg) resigned on August 11 due to his recent diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease. Nutt had previously served two terms in the South Carolina House as the representative for District 34 before winning the Senate seat in 2024. He was expected to serve until January 5, 2026. In his resignation letter, Nutt expressed gratitude for his time in the Senate and referred to it as a “dream come true.”
Following Nutt’s resignation, Rep. Bobby Cox (R-Greer) announced his intention to run for Nutt’s Senate seat. To pursue this opportunity, Cox will also resign from his House position, with his resignation taking effect on the same date as Nutt’s, January 5, 2026. This sets the stage for a special election to fill Nutt’s seat in Senate District 12.
Upcoming Elections and Candidate Filings
The filing period for candidates to contest Nutt’s Senate seat will open on August 29 and close on September 6. The primary elections are scheduled for October 21, while the general election to fill the vacancy is set for December 23. As for May’s seat in House District 21, the South Carolina Elections Commission is awaiting official notices regarding the election, which is expected to coincide with the general election dates for Nutt and Cox’s vacancies.
Legal Issues Surrounding Rep. Robert J. “RJ” May III
Rep. Robert J. “RJ” May III (R-Lexington) resigned from office on August 7 while in jail, where he is being held without bond. He faces serious legal issues, including an indictment related to child sexual abuse materials, which carries a potential maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison, with a minimum sentence of five years. The SC Freedom Caucus has remarked that his resignation was “long overdue,” reflecting the gravity of the circumstances surrounding his departure.
Context and Historical Background
Senator Roger Nutt had a distinguished political career, having served nearly 15 years in public office. His election history includes a tight victory in a four-way GOP primary, where he triumphed over former Sen. Lee Bright by fewer than 150 votes. During his time in the Senate, Nutt sponsored a significant bill that allowed nursing home residents to select one visitor permitted during emergencies, which passed in the Senate but did not progress to a hearing in the House.
Nutt had recently been receiving medical treatment for long COVID symptoms prior to his Alzheimer’s diagnosis, highlighting the health challenges he faced leading to his resignation. With both special elections on the horizon, voters in South Carolina will have the opportunity to shape their representation in the state legislature.
Election Timeline
- Filing Period for Candidates: August 29 – September 6
- Primary Election for Senate District 12: October 21
- General Election: December 23
FAQ
Why did Senator Roger Nutt resign?
Senator Roger Nutt resigned due to a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease.
What are the upcoming election dates for the special elections?
The filing period for candidates runs from August 29 to September 6, with the primary election scheduled for October 21 and the general election on December 23.
What allegations is Representative RJ May facing?
Representative RJ May is facing legal issues related to an indictment involving child sexual abuse materials, which could potentially result in a prison sentence of up to 20 years.
Key Features of the Special Elections
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Senate District 12 | Vacancy due to Roger Nutt’s resignation; candidate filing from August 29 to September 6. |
| Primary Election Date | Scheduled for October 21. |
| General Election Date | Set for December 23. |
| House District 21 | Vacancy due to RJ May’s resignation; elections anticipated to coincide with Senate elections. |
| Notable Health Issues | Nutt diagnosed with Alzheimer’s; RJ May facing legal challenges. |
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Additional Resources
- South Carolina Senator Resigns Due to Alzheimer’s Diagnosis
- Greenville Online: Roger Nutt Resigns
- WISTV: Early Voting in SC House District 50
- New Republic: South Carolina Special Election Results
- WLTX: South Carolina Election Results
- Wikipedia: Special Election
- Google Search: South Carolina Special Elections
- Google Scholar: South Carolina Politics
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Election
- Google News: South Carolina Lawmakers Resignation
Author: STAFF HERE GREENVILLE
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