News Summary
Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette has announced her candidacy for governor of South Carolina, marking the first open race since 2010. With a focus on tax reform and government efficiency, her campaign aims to eliminate the state income tax and establish a Department of Government Efficiency. Evette emphasizes the need for conservative governance and aims to connect with voters through her previous experience and relatable background as a business owner and mother. As the GOP primary approaches, Evette seeks to position herself as a leader for effective governance in the state.
Greenville – Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette Launches Campaign for South Carolina Governor
Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette officially announced her candidacy for the governorship of South Carolina on July 14, 2025. The campaign launch took place at The Smokestack at Judson Mill in Greenville, marking a significant moment as the state approaches its first open gubernatorial race since 2010. Evette will run for the position as Gov. Henry McMaster, who has served since 2017, is prohibited from seeking reelection due to term limits.
Campaign Priorities and Experience
As lieutenant governor since 2019, Evette has highlighted her previous experience and achievements in office. Throughout her tenure, she has concentrated on various initiatives, including workforce development and environmental conservation. In her campaign for governor, Evette has laid out several key priorities that focus on tax reform and government efficiency. Prominent among these objectives is her plan to eliminate the state income tax, which she argues will benefit South Carolina residents and boost the economy.
Evette’s proposed establishment of a South Carolina Department of Government Efficiency aims to target and reduce wasteful spending within state government. Other campaign priorities include reforms to the judicial process, banning sanctuary counties, implementing measures to address repeat offenders, and expanding school choice options for families across South Carolina.
Evette’s Campaign Message and Connection to Trump
Evette has framed her campaign as a collective movement rather than a personal endeavor, urging South Carolinians to join her in advocating for these priorities. She has drawn connections between her candidacy and the policies of former President Donald Trump, expressing her commitment to conservative values, particularly in immigration. Evette has emphasized the need for a governor who has established a relationship with Trump to facilitate effective governance in the state.
Candidate Landscape and Leadership Promise
As the GOP primary election approaches, Evette is positioned among other candidates who have already announced their intentions to run. Attorney General Alan Wilson and state Sen. Josh Kimbrell are also vying for the Republican nomination, while state Rep. Jermaine Johnson of Richland County is contemplating a Democratic run. With voter support for her campaign reported at approximately 31.5%, Evette aims to capture the attention of South Carolina’s electorate by promoting her vision of reduced regulations and enhanced governmental efficiency.
Background and Commitment to South Carolina
Before her political career, Evette founded a successful payroll and human resources firm, Quality Business Solutions, and has a background as a trained accountant. As a devoted mother of three, she has positioned herself as relatable and grounded, emphasizing her non-traditional route into politics. Evette reassures voters that her leadership will be transparent, promising, “you won’t wonder what you’re getting.”
With eight months remaining until the June 2026 GOP primary filing period, Evette’s campaign aims to present South Carolina as a model for effective governance that other states can emulate. Her proposed initiatives and platform will continue to evolve as the election date approaches and as she engages with citizens across the state.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- South Carolina Daily Gazette
- Greenville Online
- WYFF 4 News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: South Carolina Governor Race
- Island Packet
- Google Search: Pamela Evette 2026 Governor Race
Author: STAFF HERE GREENVILLE
The HERE Greenville Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Greenville community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Greenville Our team includes lifelong Greenville residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sales in the Heritage Historic District 17 , Greenville’s textile and railroad heritage 2 , and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Greenville Technical College programs) 27 . Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
