Conservative small business owner RJ May mulling run for SC State House

Lexington County, SC - Small business owner and conservative strategist RJ May announced this week he is considering a bid to replace State Representative Mac Toole (Dist. 88). Toole has announced he is stepping back for a break and won’t seek reelection for that seat in the fall.

May is president and founder of Ivory Tusk Consulting, a Lexington County-based campaign strategy firm. The business helps committed conservative candidates win elections and act on those principles once in office. May has served as political director for Joe Wilson for Congress, communications director for Ralph Norman for Congress, and executive director of the South Carolina Club for Growth – the state’s leading conservative watchdog group.

In his role with the SC Club for Growth, May was responsible for leading the organization’s efforts to create an accountable state government, lower taxes, reduce wasteful spending, and protect small businesses from excessive regulations. “I’ve spent my career advocating for the conservative values we hold dear,” May said. “Unfortunately, those values are under increasing attack by socialists and radical liberals. I’ve led the fight for honest, limited government by serving as executive director of our state’s leading conservative watchdog group and helping to elect officials who’ve fought to protect the Second Amendment, defend life, and staunchly supported President Trump.”

May says he expects to reach a decision and make an official announcement soon. Brian Duncan, a small businessman from Red Bank, has already officially announced he will run for the seat.

May lives in Lexington County with his wife (Beth) and son (Bobby). May graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the University of South Carolina and holds a master’s degree from Tel Aviv University in Israel.