RJ May Resigns, Leaving District 88 Seat in Disgrace

RJ May Resigns amid child exploitation scandal

BREAKING- Columbia Urban Broadcast Network

On Monday, the South Carolina Freedom Caucus issued a statement on the resignation of Representative RJ May — a move that comes as House Republicans appear eager to pivot away from a wave of sex scandals engulfing MAGA-aligned lawmakers.

The caucus called the resignation “long overdue” and said residents of District 88 deserve “true and honorable” leadership. They added that the South Carolina House of Representatives should have expelled May once he was indicted.

“Our hearts are with his victims and his innocent family, and we pray for swift justice as this ugly chapter in the South Carolina House of Representatives comes to a close,” the statement read.

Republicans in Hot Water

State Senator Matt Leber is under fire after his wife publicly accused him of an affair with a paid GOP consultant — a controversy dubbed “Mistress-Gate” — prompting mounting calls for his resignation.

Former Senator Katrina Shealy has also made waves, alleging that lawmakers have been “blackmailed over sexual indiscretions,” pulling back the curtain on the darker side of power inside the State House.

For many, the timing of May’s resignation feels all too convenient — a headline-grabbing scandal that shifts attention away from others in the Republican ranks. But South Carolinians deserve more than political damage control; they deserve accountability and leadership that serves the public, not personal or partisan interests.

RJ MAY INDICTMENT

Federal court documents show that in April 2024, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children received a tip from the Kik messaging app, which had flagged several videos posted by the user “joebidennnn69” as containing child sexual abuse material. Investigators traced the account to May’s home internet connection and phone, ultimately identifying at least 10 illicit videos shared from that account.

May was arrested at his home in Lexington County following a months-long investigation. A federal judge has ordered him to remain in custody until trial. He is facing up to 20 years in federal prison, with a mandatory minimum of five years, a fine of up to $250,000, and at least five years of supervised release.

Since his arrest, state leaders from across the political spectrum have called for his resignation and expulsion from the House. Lexington Democrats, anticipating a possible special election, have begun organizing in hopes of winning the seat — one that May held by only a slim margin. A special election has been set, the opportunity for a Democratic pickup appears stronger than ever.