June 3, 2025

David Pascoe Switches Party Affiliation to Republican

News Summary

First Circuit Solicitor David Pascoe has officially changed party affiliation from Democrat to Republican, diminishing the Democratic presence in South Carolina solicitors’ offices. This shift was announced at a Republican dinner attended by notable GOP figures. Pascoe, who has held the solicitor position since 2004, has a history of prosecuting high-profile cases and addressing legislative corruption. His switch signals a crucial change in the local political landscape as Republicans strengthen their hold in the state while Democrats face increased challenges.

South Carolina — First Circuit Solicitor David Pascoe has announced his decision to switch from the Democratic Party to the Republican Party, a change that further diminishes the Democratic hold on solicitors in the state. Following this move, Democrats now only maintain three solicitor positions in South Carolina, compared to 13 held by Republicans.

This significant announcement was made during a Dorchester County GOP dinner at the Summerville Country Club, where prominent Republican figures such as Ninth Circuit Solicitor Scarlett Wilson, Fourteenth Circuit Solicitor Duffie Stone, and Dorchester County Sheriff Sam Richardson were present to support Pascoe.

David Pascoe was first elected as the First Circuit Solicitor in 2004 and has had a notable career marked by high-profile cases. One of his most significant prosecutions occurred in 2006, when he successfully prosecuted Mikal Mahdi, who received the death penalty for the murder of an Orangeburg police officer. Mahdi is currently scheduled for execution on Friday. This case has been a key highlight of Pascoe’s career, showcasing his commitment to justice within the community.

In addition to his prosecutorial successes, Pascoe has played a pivotal role in addressing corruption in South Carolina’s legislature. He was instrumental in leading an investigation that resulted in the indictment of South Carolina House Speaker Bobby Harrell. In 2016, Pascoe won a Supreme Court case that allowed him to further investigate lawmakers implicated in corrupt activities, further enhancing his reputation as a dedicated public servant.

The First Circuit, which encompasses Dorchester, Orangeburg, and Calhoun Counties, saw Pascoe elected as one of the few Democrats in Dorchester County. His upcoming election in 2024 had initially seemed secure, as he was unopposed within the Democratic Party; this party switch changes the dynamics significantly for the local political landscape.

This change in Pascoe’s party affiliation highlights an ongoing trend in South Carolina, where the number of Democrats in solicitor offices has been dwindling. The implications of this trend indicate a significant shift in local governance and electoral outcomes, with Republicans gaining a stronger foothold in the state’s legal and prosecutorial sectors.

In 2010, Pascoe had briefly considered running for the Democratic nomination for Attorney General but withdrew his candidacy before the primary election took place. His recent shift raises questions about his future political ambitions and the potential effects on the Republican Party’s strategy in upcoming elections.

Overall, Pascoe’s transition from the Democratic Party to the Republican Party marks a critical moment not only for his political career but also for the broader political landscape in South Carolina, particularly within the solicitor’s offices. As the Republican Party continues to consolidate its power in the state, the remaining Democratic solicitors may face increased challenges moving forward.

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