South Carolina GOP dominates special legislative races

 December 25, 2025

South Carolina just delivered a conservative knockout punch in a trio of special elections that’s got the progressive crowd scratching their heads.

Breitbart reported that on Tuesday, the Palmetto State saw Republicans sweep all three state legislative seats up for grabs, cementing their grip with decisive victories.

These weren’t just wins; they were statements, as Reps. John Lastinger and Dianne Mitchell, alongside Sen. Lee Bright, claimed their spots in the state legislature.

Dianne Mitchell crushed it with over 70% of the vote, while Lee Bright nabbed more than 67%, both facing no official opponents—just a smattering of write-ins.

John Lastinger, meanwhile, took on Democrat and retired Army Col. Joseph “Chuck” Hightower and walked away with a solid 62-37% margin, leaving less than 1% for write-ins.

That’s not just a win; it’s a message to anyone pushing a progressive agenda that South Carolina’s heart beats red, even if the opposition thought they could sneak one through.

Low Turnout, High Impact for GOP

Now, let’s talk turnout—or the lack thereof—with only about 7% of registered voters showing up in State House Districts 21 and 88, plus State Senate District 12.

Just 8,729 ballots were cast total, which might make some scoff, but for conservatives, it’s proof that even a small, dedicated base can move mountains.

While some might lament the apathy, the South Carolina Republican Party isn’t shedding tears—they’re celebrating the folks who braved holiday distractions to vote.

“Republicans won all three special elections and that success belongs to the voters who showed up,” the South Carolina Republican Party declared on X, giving credit where it’s due.

Let’s be real: getting people to the polls amid family gatherings and holiday travel is no small feat, yet the GOP faithful delivered when it counted.

“While Democrats hoped low turnout would hand them a win, Republicans proved them wrong at the ballot box,” the SCGOP added on X. “We didn’t sit this one out.”

Conservative Momentum Builds for Future Fights

Here’s the kicker: the GOP isn’t just gloating; they’re gearing up, claiming these wins show they’re organized and ready for whatever comes next.

These results aren’t a fluke—they’re a reminder that conservative values resonate in South Carolina, even when the electorate is sparse and the stakes seem small.

For those on the other side hoping to flip the script with trendy policies or woke talking points, Tuesday’s outcome is a polite but firm “not on our watch.”


About Maria Reese Paul

Maria is a staff writer covering conservative politics, policy, and culture with a focus on Washington’s most pressing debates for Heritage Review. She is Passionate about amplifying voices often overlooked in mainstream media.

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