Greenville, SC, August 13, 2025
News Summary
Roger Nutt, the Senator for District 12 in South Carolina, has resigned after being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. His resignation was submitted on August 11, and he will continue serving until January 2026. Bobby Cox has declared his candidacy for the vacant Senate seat, with elections scheduled for December. This news follows the resignation of another state representative, highlighting significant changes in the region’s political landscape.
Greenville, SC – Roger Nutt, the state senator representing District 12 in South Carolina, has announced his resignation due to a recent diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease. Nutt’s decision was formally submitted to the president of the South Carolina Senate on August 11, 2023, and he will continue to serve through January 5, 2026.
District 12 encompasses parts of both Greenville and Spartanburg Counties, and Nutt has had a significant political career in the state. He began serving in the state Senate in 2024 and previously held two terms in the state House as the representative for District 34. His tenure has been marked by a commitment to public service which he expressed as a lifelong dream.
In the wake of Nutt’s resignation, Bobby Cox, a member of the Upstate House representing Greenville County, has announced his intention to run for Nutt’s now-open Senate seat. Cox stated that Nutt’s encouragement influenced his decision to enter the race while resigning from his House position.
The filing period for candidates interested in running for the vacant Senate seat along with another House seat following recent resignations is set from August 29 to September 6, 2023. Candidates will be vying for the opportunity to participate in the primary election scheduled for October 21, 2023. Should a runoff be necessary, it will occur in November, with the special election to fill the Senate seat formally set for December 23, 2023.
Additionally, the South Carolina Elections Commission is working on the logistics for the upcoming elections, anticipating that the dates for the House special election will align with those for the Senate seat. Nutt’s departure follows the resignation of fellow state representative Robert J. “RJ” May III, who left the House after facing serious legal issues, including indictment on multiple federal charges relates to child sexual abuse materials.
The SC Freedom Caucus has criticized the state House for not moving to expel May sooner, reiterating their dedication to ensuring justice for his victims. Meanwhile, both Nutt’s and Cox’s legislative seats will remain occupied until successors are determined through the upcoming special election process.
This sequence of events highlights continued changes in the Upstate region’s political landscape, reinforcing the importance of timely participation in electoral processes by both candidates and voters.
Key Dates for Upcoming Elections
- Filing period for candidates: August 29 – September 6, 2023
- Primary election: October 21, 2023
- Potential runoff: November 2023
- Special election for Senate seat: December 23, 2023
Summary of Recent Legislative Changes
| Position | Name | Reason for Departure | Resignation Effective |
|---|---|---|---|
| State Senator, District 12 | Roger Nutt | Alzheimer’s diagnosis | January 5, 2026 |
| State Representative, District 21 | Bobby Cox | Running for Senate seat | January 5, 2026 |
| State Representative | Robert J. “RJ” May III | Legal troubles (indictment) | Effective immediately (August 7, 2023) |
FAQ
What caused Roger Nutt’s resignation?
Roger Nutt resigned due to a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease.
When is the special election for the vacant Senate seat?
The special election is scheduled for December 23, 2023.
Who is running for Roger Nutt’s Senate seat?
Bobby Cox, an Upstate House member, has announced his candidacy for Nutt’s Senate seat.
What significant event did Robert J. May III face before his resignation?
Robert J. May III resigned after being indicted on ten federal charges related to child sexual abuse materials.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
South Carolina Special Elections Announced Following Resignations of Lawmakers
Additional Resources
- Greenville Online: Roger Nutt Resigns
- WIS TV: Special Election Set for SC Senate Seat
- Goupstate: Special Election in Spartanburg County
- Fox17: Primary and Special Election in Muskegon
- Independent Mail: Anderson County Mayoral Seat Vote
- Wikipedia: Elections in South Carolina
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Election
- Google Search: Special Elections South Carolina
- Google Scholar: Special Elections
- Google News: South Carolina Senate Special Election
Author: STAFF HERE GREENVILLE
The HERE Greenville Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Greenville community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Greenville Our team includes lifelong Greenville residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sales in the Heritage Historic District 17 , Greenville’s textile and railroad heritage 2 , and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Greenville Technical College programs) 27 . Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
