News Summary
South Carolina’s Republican Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette has announced her candidacy for the 2026 gubernatorial race. Emphasizing her conservative leadership and endorsements from key figures like former President Donald Trump and Governor Henry McMaster, Evette aims to continue the state’s conservative legacy. With her background as a mother and businesswoman, she highlights her achievements and policy priorities, such as school choice and regulatory reform. Evette faces competition from other Republicans but is positioned as a strong candidate due to her alignment with Trump and significant party support.
Greenville, South Carolina – South Carolina’s Republican Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette has officially launched her campaign for governor, aiming for the position in the 2026 elections. Evette announced her candidacy to an enthusiastic crowd of supporters at The Smokestack at Judson Mill in Greenville, positioning herself as a conservative leader prepared to take the state’s helm.
During her campaign kick-off event, Evette showcased endorsements from prominent figures including outgoing Governor Henry McMaster and former President Donald Trump, emphasizing her commitment to continuing a conservative legacy in South Carolina governance. She described herself as a mother, conservative businesswoman, and a determined candidate ready to lead from day one.
Evette underlined her established relationship with Trump, asserting that her direct ties could be beneficial in the upcoming race. She pointed out that Trump’s significant victory in South Carolina’s 2024 presidential election by an 18 percentage point margin highlights the importance of his support in the Republican primary, which is set for June 2024. South Carolina has maintained a Republican governorship for over two decades, with the general election scheduled for November 2026.
Evette is not without competition in the primary; other notable candidates include Attorney General Alan Wilson and state Senator Josh Kimbrell. However, her strong alignment with Trump’s policies and the backing of key party individuals positions her as a formidable contender.
Having served as the running mate to McMaster since 2018, Evette has previously held a non-political career as a co-founder of Quality Business Solutions Inc., which specializes in payroll, human resources, and benefits services. Her entrepreneurial background may appeal to voters looking for a candidate with business acumen.
As a serving lieutenant governor, she has enacted policies that support law enforcement, imposed stricter immigration regulations, and advocated for abortion restrictions. Additionally, she has taken a strong stance on social issues, calling for the prohibition of transgender women from participating in women’s sports. Evette also emphasized key campaign priorities, including expanding school choice, eliminating income taxes, and upholding Trump’s immigration agenda.
Evette has pledged to enhance governance efficiency by vowing to eliminate ten regulations for every new one introduced. Furthermore, she voiced her intention to challenge corporate entities she perceives as part of the radical left. Her comprehensive policy agenda reflects her commitment to a conservative platform intended to resonate with South Carolina’s Republican base.
With her roots in Travelers Rest, Evette holds the distinction of being South Carolina’s first female Republican lieutenant governor and was part of the first jointly elected team with McMaster in the state’s history, following a legislative change. Her leadership roles extend beyond politics, as she is also involved with the St. Francis Foundation board of directors and is an alumnus of Cleveland State University.
As the political landscape of South Carolina prepares for the upcoming governor race, Evette’s campaign signifies a continuation of the state’s conservative principles underlined by her experiences and connections within the Republican Party. Her ability to galvanize support among party faithful will be critical as she outlines her vision for the future of South Carolina.
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HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- Fox Carolina: Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette Makes Special Announcement in Greenville
- Wikipedia: 2026 South Carolina Gubernatorial Election
- Greenville Journal: Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette Announces Gubernatorial Run
- Google Search: Pamela Evette 2026 gubernatorial race
- KTAR: South Carolina Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette Launches 2026 Gubernatorial Bid
- Encyclopedia Britannica: South Carolina Governor
- Count On 2: Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette Enters South Carolina Governor’s Race
- Google News: Pamela Evette 2026 Gubernatorial Announcement
Author: STAFF HERE GREENVILLE
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