COLUMBIA, S.C. - While members of the South Carolina legislature are briefly meeting in Columbia this week, one familiar face will not be in the chambers.

Gerald Malloy spent more than two decades serving in the state senate, but that run has now officially come to an end.

The democrat initially protested the results of the 20-24 general election.

While republican JD Chaplin won the tightly contested race, it was not until Monday evening that Malloy decided to withdraw his protest and concede his seat.

According to the South Carolina Election Commision's first recount, Chaplin won by a margin of 287 votes. However following a second recount, Chaplin lost 129 votes, while the incumbent gained 59. While Malloy tightened the deficit, Chaplin still held on for an 87 vote advantage.

In a released statement, Malloy and his team say they will be pushing for better quality in vote counting for future elections.