Republican John Lastinger and Democrat Joseph “Chuck” Hightower will face each other on Dec. 23 for the vacant District 88 seat, which covers parts of Lexington County. 

The seat became vacant after former Rep. RJ May, a West Columbia Republican, resigned and pleaded guilty to charges of distributing child sexual abuse material.  

Four Republicans, including John Lastinger, Brian Duncan, Lorelei Graye and Darren E Rogers vied for the seat in October. 

Lastinger, who received 40% of the vote, and Duncan, who earned 37.97%, went head-to-head in a primary runoff on Nov. 4. 

Lastinger won the primary runoff and will now face Hightower on Dec. 23.  

Early voting is from Dec. 8-19, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Lexington County Elections Administration Building, located at 605 W. Main St.