William Timmons

Representative William Timmons of South Carolina’s 4th Congressional District has faced several public controversies and allegations during his tenure: In 2022, reports emerged regarding an alleged extramarital affair with Paula Dhier. Following these reports, allegations surfaced claiming Timmons abused his power as a congressman to influence the criminal justice system to assist in the affair, including claims that he influenced police and judges regarding a kidnapping charge against Dhier’s estranged husband, Ron Rallis. The charge against Rallis was later expunged. Timmons has denied these abuse-of-power and campaign fund misuse allegations. Additionally, reports indicated the U.S. House Ethics Committee launched a preliminary inquiry into whether Timmons misused taxpayer funds related to the affair, which coincided with the resignation of several senior staff members. Timmons also faced criticism and scrutiny for his alleged personal involvement and witness tampering in the contentious divorce and custody proceedings between Dhier and Rallis, including sending text messages to Rallis and a witness. Politically, Timmons signed an amicus brief supporting the 2020 election challenge in Texas v. Pennsylvania and voted to object to the certification of the 2020 presidential election results on January 6, 2021.