July 15, 2025

Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette Announces Gubernatorial Candidacy

News Summary

Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette has officially announced her candidacy for the South Carolina governorship, becoming the third Republican to enter the race. With a focus on conservative initiatives, Evette aims to elevate her existing political experience alongside Gov. Henry McMaster and connect with supporters of former President Trump. Her campaign promotes fiscal policies such as eliminating state income tax and reducing regulatory burdens. Despite facing challenges with voter recognition, her grassroots support remains strong as the primary election approaches.

Greenville, SC – Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette officially announced her candidacy for the governorship of South Carolina on July 14, 2025, making her the third Republican candidate to enter the race. The announcement event took place at the Smokestack at Judson Mill in Greenville, attracting attention from both supporters and political analysts.

Evette, who has served alongside Gov. Henry McMaster since 2018, is aiming to highlight her experience in the state’s executive branch while collaborating on previously achieved conservative initiatives. She has expressed strong support for a variety of conservative positions, including the controversial ban on transgender athletes that was implemented in 2022. Furthermore, she has positioned herself as a staunch advocate for law enforcement in South Carolina.

In her campaign, Evette intends to emphasize her political relationship with former President Donald Trump, seeking to leverage this connection for additional support as the race heats up. Among her proposed fiscal policies is the elimination of the state income tax, which she points out constitutes 45% of the state’s general fund revenues. Evette has also pledged to reduce regulatory burdens by advocating for a system that would cut ten regulations for each new one created.

Her candidacy is backed by substantial grassroots support from conservative factions and influential GOP leaders, particularly from the Upstate region. Evette’s business acumen is notable, having co-founded Quality Business Solutions Inc., along with holding a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in accounting from Cleveland State University. She is uniquely positioned in the race as a business-oriented candidate focused on increasing government efficiency, enhancing immigration enforcement, and supporting universal school choice.

Despite her extensive background, Evette faces challenges regarding name recognition among voters, with only 38% of Republican voters reporting familiarity with her. Polling data suggests that approximately 31.5% of Republican voters support her bid for governor. This puts her in a competitive position but still behind front-runners such as Attorney General Alan Wilson and U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace.

Evette’s strategy indicates she plans to showcase her record of partnership with Gov. McMaster while framing her campaign as a continuation of their mutually pursued conservative principles. She has indicated her ability to self-fund her campaign due to her wealth accumulated from her business ventures, which may give her a financial advantage in the crowded field.

The political landscape is dynamic, with additional Republican contenders, including U.S. Rep. Ralph Norman, still deliberating an entry into the race. The primary election for the GOP nomination is slated for June 2026, and it’s anticipated that the competition will be fierce as more candidates may emerge to challenge established figures.

Evette’s campaign launch is accompanied by promotional materials featuring endorsements from both McMaster and Trump, culminating in a campaign tagline “to be continued… 2026,” which hints at her intention to continue their legacy of conservative governance. As South Carolina heads toward the 2026 gubernatorial election, the political field remains open and competitive, with candidates vying to define their unique platforms and win voter support.

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Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE CLINTON

CLINTON STAFF WRITER The CLINTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREClinton.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Clinton, Laurens County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Festival of Discovery, Clinton Community Day, and performances at the Whitten Center Amphitheater. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce and the Laurens County Historical Society, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and education that power the local economy such as Milliken & Company and Presbyterian College. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.