News Summary
Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette has announced her candidacy for governor of South Carolina. With several opponents already in the race, she aims to build on her experience and conservative platform. Evette, who has served as lieutenant governor since 2019, emphasizes economic growth, law enforcement support, and a pledge to eliminate the state income tax. Facing challenges with name recognition, she is determined to engage with voters and enhance her visibility ahead of the competitive primary election.
Columbia, South Carolina – Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette officially announced her candidacy for governor of South Carolina on July 14, 2025. With Governor Henry McMaster being term-limited and unable to run for reelection in 2026, Evette’s entry marks the start of a competitive race, which already includes Attorney General Alan Wilson and State Sen. Josh Kimbrell, both of whom have previously declared their bids.
Evette, who has served as McMaster’s second-in-command since 2019, was elected alongside him in 2018. She holds the distinction of being the first Republican female lieutenant governor in South Carolina’s history. In her campaign kickoff speech, Evette emphasized her active role in addressing statewide issues and her commitment to conservative governance, asserting that she has partnered with McMaster in achieving notable conservative successes over the past six years.
During her tenure, Evette has advocated for various policies, including a pledge to eliminate the state income tax in line with McMaster’s approach. Additionally, she has expressed her strong support for former President Donald Trump and his policies, claiming a close relationship with him, which she sees as foundational for her campaign. Evette has focused her platform on issues such as law enforcement, immigration, and family values, aiming to appeal to a broad coalition of Republican voters.
Evette’s campaign strategy also highlights her business background as the founder of Quality Business Solutions Inc., a payroll and human resources firm. She intends to apply principles of efficiency seen during the Trump Administration to reform state bureaucracy and plans to introduce a model that eliminates ten regulations for every new one enacted.
However, she faces challenges ahead, particularly regarding name recognition among Republican voters. A recent Winthrop University poll indicates that only 38% of Republican voters are familiar with Evette. This suggests that she will need to work diligently to raise her profile within the party, especially in a competitive Republican primary scheduled for June 2026.
Evette’s campaign messaging revolves around the slogan “Keep South Carolina Great!” She is an advocate for universal school choice and measures to enforce immigration policies, aiming to resonate with a diverse set of Republican constituents. Furthermore, her campaign will need to focus on fundraising efforts to compete effectively as the primary approaches.
Having three children and residing in Traveler’s Rest, South Carolina, Evette’s personal background includes roots from Ohio. Her vision for a conservative government prioritizes economic growth and the reinforcement of traditional values, which she intends to champion throughout her campaign.
As Evette officially joins the gubernatorial race, attention will turn to how she develops her campaign and engages with voters in the lead-up to the primary. Her experience in public service, combined with her business acumen and commitment to conservative principles, positions her as a noteworthy candidate vying for the state’s highest office.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Alan Wilson Launches Gubernatorial Campaign in South Carolina
Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette to Speak at Charleston Business & Brews
Pamela Evette to Headline Charleston Business & Brews Event
University Leader Emerges as Potential South Carolina Governor
State Representative Jermaine L. Johnson Explores Gubernatorial Run
Jermaine Johnson Launches Campaign for South Carolina Governor
South Carolina Criminalizes Revenge Porn with New Legislation
Aiken Chamber of Commerce Advocates for Small Business
Aiken Chamber Participates in South Carolina Small Business Day
Aiken Chamber of Commerce Attends Small Business Day
Additional Resources
- SC Daily Gazette
- Encyclopedia Britannica: South Carolina Governor Race
- Count On 2 News
- Google Search: Pamela Evette 2026 Governor Race
- Greenville Online
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON WRITER
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