In House District 87, the upcoming election features incumbent state Rep. Paula Rawl Calhoon, a Republican, running for re-election against Libertarian candidate Robin Machajewski. This race, situated in Lexington County, does not include a Democratic challenger, focusing solely on the two contenders. The victor of this election will serve a two-year term in the state legislature. Paula Rawl Calhoon is a seasoned political figure with a commendable background in education and public service, which she claims as a foundation for her candidacy. Meanwhile, Machajewski, a nurse practitioner, aims to provide an alternative choice for voters seeking a Libertarian perspective.
Paula Rawl Calhoon, at 66, brings a wealth of experience to her campaign, having worked as a public school teacher and served in a deputy director role at a state agency. She is active in community organizations, including the Lexington Chamber and the Lexington Woman’s Club, where she holds the presidency. Calhoon has also contributed to her local church and the Lexington Medical Center Foundation, showcasing her commitment to civic engagement. Following encouragement from local leaders and community members, she decided to run for the vacated seat in House District 87. Her campaign is grounded in the desire to help constituents navigate government services, promote education, enhance public safety, support business initiatives, and advocate for environmental conservation.
In her advocacy for the upcoming legislative session, Calhoon has identified several key priorities. First and foremost is education, which she believes can be improved through policy changes related to early childhood education, school suspensions, and code-of-conduct regulations. Additionally, public safety and job creation are central themes in her platform, alongside a focus on taxation and infrastructure, particularly road improvements. Calhoon aims to address a diverse array of issues, from cosmetology regulation to guardianship laws, reflecting an expansive approach to her legislative agenda. She seeks to ensure that her constituents see tangible improvements in various legislative areas that impact their daily lives.
A significant part of Calhoon’s campaign is dedicated to advocating for earmarked funding for specific projects in Lexington County. She has expressed concern over traffic congestion at Longs Pond Road, which hampers access to Interstate 20 due to heavy commercial and residential vehicle flow. Calhoon has been proactive in working with local businesses and state transportation officials to seek solutions. Moreover, with Lexington County set to host two divisions of the baseball world series in fall 2025, she emphasizes the need for adequate funding and volunteers to ensure a safe and well-organized event, showcasing her investment in local community initiatives.
On the other side of the ballot, Robin Machajewski represents the Libertarian perspective. At 53 years old, she is a nurse practitioner and believes in providing voters with an alternative choice. Her campaign emphasizes reducing government size and ending property taxes as means to improve the economic landscape for residents in District 87. Machajewski’s candidacy aims to elevate the visibility of the Libertarian Party while advocating for fundamental changes in state policy aimed at reducing fiscal burdens on residents.
While Calhoon proposes specific projects and solutions for state budget allocations, Machajewski currently does not earmark any particular Lexington County projects for funding. The contrasting approaches of the two candidates represent broader ideological differences; Calhoon aims to expand state services and support local initiatives, while Machajewski argues for a reduction in government intervention. As the election approaches, the residents of House District 87 are faced with choices that highlight differing visions for their community’s future and governance, reinforcing the importance of voter engagement in shaping local policy.