RJ May holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of South Carolina and a Master of Arts in security and diplomacy from Tel Aviv University. He spent several years in leadership roles, including as the executive director of the South Carolina Club for Growth. May has also contributed to political campaigns, working on a gubernatorial bid. Additionally, he founded a political consulting firm, Ivory Tusk Consulting, showcasing his expertise in political strategy and advocacy.

RJ May's legislative advocacy for harsher penalties on child sexual abuse in 2026, combined with his background in security and diplomacy, suggests a unique blend of tough-on-crime rhetoric with an international perspective. His work with the South Carolina Club for Growth hints at a pro-business stance, yet his focus on severe child protection laws indicates a nuanced approach to justice that may prioritize public safety over economic considerations. This juxtaposition of policy positions reveals a complex ideological landscape.