South Carolina Republicans just pulled off a clean sweep in the state’s latest special elections, proving that conservative values still pack a punch at the ballot box.
On Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2025, the GOP clinched all three open seats in the state legislature, showcasing their stronghold in a time when many are distracted by holiday cheer.
These victories mean policies that prioritize local wallets over big-government schemes are likely to hold firm. And let’s be honest—when every dollar counts, that’s a win worth celebrating.
The winners of these races are Rep. John Lastinger, Rep. Dianne Mitchell, and Sen. Lee Bright, each securing their spots with impressive margins. It’s a lineup that promises to keep South Carolina’s conservative backbone intact.
Rep. Dianne Mitchell led the pack with over 70% of the vote, facing only write-in challengers who couldn’t muster much of a fight. It’s almost as if the opposition forgot to show up—or maybe they knew they didn’t stand a chance.
Sen. Lee Bright wasn’t far behind, capturing more than 67% of the vote against similarly token write-in competition. If this isn’t a mandate for traditional values, what is?
Rep. John Lastinger, a pastor by trade, took on Democrat and retired Army Col. Joseph “Chuck” Hightower, winning 62% to 37%, with write-ins barely scraping 1%. It’s a clear message that even in a contested race, conservative principles resonate louder.
Across all three races, a total of 8,729 ballots were cast, a number that might seem small but speaks volumes when you consider the timing. With holiday plans in full swing, every vote was a deliberate choice.
Yet, turnout was a meager 7% of registered voters in State House Districts 21 and 88, as well as State Senate District 12. It’s a reminder that while the GOP faithful showed up, too many stayed home—perhaps a nudge for conservatives to rally even harder next time.
The South Carolina Republican Party couldn’t hide its excitement, taking to social media to tout the victories. “Republicans won all three special elections, and that success belongs to the voters who showed up,” they posted on X, crediting the grassroots for the triumph. But let’s not pat ourselves on the back too hard—low turnout means there’s work to do to energize the base.
They also threw a subtle jab at their opponents, stating, “While Democrats hoped low turnout would hand them a win, Republicans proved them wrong at the ballot box.” It’s a fair point—hoping for apathy isn’t a strategy, and the GOP’s hustle paid off where it mattered.
These wins aren’t just numbers on a scoreboard; they’re a signal to Columbia that South Carolina isn’t buying into the progressive agenda sweeping other states. For parents and retirees, this could mean fewer controversial policies disrupting schools or draining pension funds.
With these results, the GOP is riding a wave of confidence as it looks ahead. The party’s message is clear: conservatives aren’t sitting on the sidelines, even during the holiday season.
For small business owners, this sweep offers hope that regulatory burdens won’t pile up under a legislature committed to free-market principles. It’s not just about winning seats—it’s about protecting livelihoods from overzealous mandates.
So, while the opposition might be licking its wounds, South Carolina’s conservative voters have spoken loud and clear. These special election victories are a reminder that even in a distracted season, the fight for limited government and traditional values doesn’t take a holiday. Let’s keep that fire burning into the coming year.
