John Thomas Lastinger

John Thomas Lastinger is an American politician and pastor serving as a member of the South Carolina House of Representatives for the 88th District since January 2026. A long-time pastor at The Edge Church in Springdale, South Carolina, he entered politics following a special election to fill the seat vacated by R.J. May. Lastinger serves on the House Medical, Military, Public and Municipal Affairs Committee and its Military and Veterans subcommittee. While he received endorsements from members of the South Carolina Freedom Caucus during his campaign, he has explicitly stated that he is not affiliated with the group.