06/18/2026
🚨 FORMER STATE SENATOR DROPS A BOMBSHELL in the SC AG runoff
Former Republican State Senator Ray Cleary III has officially endorsed David Stumbo for South Carolina Attorney General — and the statement he released is one you need to read. 👇
Cleary represented Senate District 34 right here on the coast before Stephen Goldfinch succeeded him. So when the man who held that seat comes out swinging against the man who replaced him, people should pay attention.
Here's what Cleary says happened 👇
Back when Goldfinch was a practicing defense attorney and a state House member, Cleary says Goldfinch asked him to pressure Surfside Beach Magistrate Derrick Blanton into reopening a criminal domestic violence case — one where Goldfinch was representing the defendant. Cleary refused, calling it an abuse of his power.
Later, when Goldfinch ran for Cleary's Senate seat, Cleary says he agreed to endorse him on a handshake deal: that Judge Blanton would keep his seat on the bench. Cleary says Goldfinch broke that promise — declining to reappoint Blanton and ending a 28-year career.
The human cost, in Cleary's words: the move cost Blanton his state retirement AND his health insurance — while the judge was battling cancer and on kidney dialysis. Cleary believes it hastened Blanton's death in 2020. 💔
Cleary calls it "a textbook example of the abuse of legislative power" — and says he can't understand why South Carolina would trust Goldfinch as its top law enforcement officer.
His pick instead? David Stumbo — a man Cleary calls one of character and faith who'll serve the people, not himself.
🗳️ The GOP runoff for Attorney General is THIS Tuesday, June 23rd.
👉 Does Cleary's statement change your vote? Tell us in the comments.
