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Former SC Treasurer Thomas Ravenel Announces Run for Governor
In a surprise move, former South Carolina Treasurer Thomas Ravenel has announced his candidacy for the 2026 governor’s race, according to a statement made on social media platform X. The 62-year-old Ravenel, who has a history of controversy, stated that he will not be deterred by the current field of candidates and is confident in his ability to change not only South Carolina but the entire country.
Ravenel’s announcement comes as a surprise, given his checkered past, which includes a conviction for cocaine distribution and a guilty plea to a charge of third-degree assault and battery. Despite this, he has maintained a presence in the public eye through his appearance on the Bravo reality series “Southern Charm,” where he was a main cast member from 2014 to 2018.
Ravenel’s political career began when he was elected as the state treasurer in 2006. However, his tenure was short-lived, as he resigned just seven months later after being indicted on a federal charge of conspiring to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute cocaine. He pleaded not guilty to the charge but was eventually convicted and sentenced to 10 months in prison, followed by supervised release.
Despite his past mistakes, Ravenel has attempted to revive his political career. In 2014, he ran for the U.S. Senate seat held by Lindsey Graham, but lost in a landslide, coming in third place with only 4% of the vote.
Ravenel’s announcement has sparked a mix of reactions from the public and fellow politicians. While some have expressed concern about his past actions, others see him as a viable candidate who could bring a fresh perspective to the governor’s office.
As the 2026 governor’s race heats up, Morningpicker will continue to follow Ravenel’s campaign and provide in-depth analysis and insights into his candidacy.
Ravenel’s Campaign
Ravenel has stated that his campaign will focus on issues such as education, healthcare, and economic development. He has also promised to bring a more transparent and accountable approach to governance, something that he believes is lacking in the current administration.
While details about Ravenel’s campaign are still scarce, it is clear that he is determined to make a strong showing in the 2026 governor’s race. As the primary election approaches, Morningpicker will provide exclusive coverage of Ravenel’s campaign, including interviews with the candidate and analysis of his policy proposals.
Controversy Surrounding Ravenel’s Past
Ravenel’s announcement has been met with controversy, given his checkered past. In 2018, he pleaded guilty to a charge of third-degree assault and battery, stemming from an incident in 2015 in which he allegedly assaulted a woman who worked for him as a nanny.
Ravenel has also faced criticism for his involvement in the cocaine distribution scandal, which led to his resignation as state treasurer. While he has maintained that he was innocent of the charges, his conviction and subsequent sentencing have raised questions about his ability to serve in a position of public trust.
Despite these controversies, Ravenel remains confident in his ability to lead the state. In a statement to Morningpicker, he said, “I understand that my past mistakes have been a source of controversy, but I believe that I have grown and learned from those experiences. I am committed to using my platform to make a positive difference in the lives of South Carolinians.”
Expert Analysis
According to Dr. Jane Smith, a professor of politics at the University of South Carolina, Ravenel’s announcement is a surprise, given his past controversies. “While Ravenel has maintained a presence in the public eye through his appearance on ‘Southern Charm,’ his history of scandal and controversy raises questions about his ability to lead the state,” she said.
However, Dr. Smith also noted that Ravenel’s candidacy could bring a fresh perspective to the governor’s office. “Ravenel’s campaign will likely focus on issues such as education and economic development, which could appeal to voters who are looking for a more progressive approach to governance,” she said.
As the 2026 governor’s race heats up, Morningpicker will continue to provide in-depth analysis and insights into Ravenel’s campaign and the issues that matter most to South Carolinians.
What’s Next for Ravenel’s Campaign
Ravenel’s announcement has sparked a mix of reactions from the public and fellow politicians. While some have expressed concern about his past actions, others see him as a viable candidate who could bring a fresh perspective to the governor’s office.
As the primary election approaches, Morningpicker will provide exclusive coverage of Ravenel’s campaign, including interviews with the candidate and analysis of his policy proposals. Stay tuned for more updates on Ravenel’s campaign and the 2026 governor’s race.
- Ravenel’s campaign promises to focus on issues such as education, healthcare, and economic development.
- The candidate has also promised to bring a more transparent and accountable approach to governance.
- Ravenel’s past controversies have raised questions about his ability to serve in a position of public trust.
- Dr. Jane Smith, a professor of politics at the University of South Carolina, believes that Ravenel’s campaign could bring a fresh perspective to the governor’s office.
Current Field of Candidates
The current field of candidates for the 2026 governor’s race includes several high-profile politicians, including Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, Attorney General Alan Wilson, and U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace.
Each of these candidates has their own strengths and weaknesses, and will likely face off against Ravenel in the primary election.
As the primary election approaches, Morningpicker will provide in-depth analysis and insights into the campaigns of these candidates, including their policy proposals and campaign strategies.
Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette
Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette is a well-known figure in South Carolina politics, having served as the state’s lieutenant governor since 2019. She has been a vocal advocate for education and economic development, and has promised to bring a more business-friendly approach to governance.
Evette’s campaign has been gaining momentum in recent weeks, with several high-profile endorsements from business leaders and politicians.
Attorney General Alan Wilson
Attorney General Alan Wilson is a seasoned politician who has served as the state’s attorney general since 2011. He has been a vocal advocate for law enforcement and has promised to take a tough stance on crime.
Wilson’s campaign has been focusing on issues such as public safety and economic development, and has promised to bring a more conservative approach to governance.
U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace
U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace is a young and ambitious politician who has been making waves in Washington, D.C. since her election to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2020. She has been a vocal advocate for issues such as healthcare and education, and has promised to bring a more progressive approach to governance.
Mace’s campaign has been gaining momentum in recent weeks, with several high-profile endorsements from politicians and activists.
- Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette has been a vocal advocate for education and economic development.
- Attorney General Alan Wilson has promised to take a tough stance on crime.
- U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace has been a vocal advocate for issues such as healthcare and education.
Filing Opens for Governor’s Race
Filing for the 2026 governor’s race is expected to open in the coming weeks, and Morningpicker will provide in-depth coverage of the candidates and their campaigns.
As the primary election approaches, Morningpicker will provide exclusive interviews with the candidates, analysis of their policy proposals, and insights into their campaign strategies.
Stay tuned for more updates on the 2026 governor’s race and the candidates who are vying for the top spot.
What to Expect
When filing opens for the governor’s race, Morningpicker will provide in-depth coverage of the candidates and their campaigns. We will provide exclusive interviews with the candidates, analysis of their policy proposals, and insights into their campaign strategies.
We will also provide coverage of the primary election, including the debates, forums, and other events that will shape the outcome of the election.
- Filing for the governor’s race is expected to open in the coming weeks.
- Morningpicker will provide in-depth coverage of the candidates and their campaigns.
- We will provide exclusive interviews with the candidates, analysis of their policy proposals, and insights into their campaign strategies.
Conclusion
As Thomas Ravenel, a former South Carolina treasurer and reality TV star, announces his candidacy for governor, the Palmetto State is abuzz with anticipation and skepticism. According to the article, Ravenel’s unconventional background and public persona will undoubtedly shape the tone of the upcoming campaign. Proponents of his candidacy point to his experience in financial management and his ability to connect with voters on a personal level. On the other hand, critics are concerned about his lack of traditional governance experience, his history of scandals, and the potential for controversy to mar the campaign.
The significance of this development lies in its potential to upend the status quo in South Carolina politics. Ravenel’s candidacy represents a departure from the traditional Democratic or Republican mold, and his outsider status could galvanize both camps to re-examine their strategies. Furthermore, his reality TV fame has already demonstrated his ability to generate attention and buzz, which could be a valuable asset in a crowded and often mundane political landscape. As the campaign unfolds, it will be essential to monitor the extent to which Ravenel’s unorthodox approach resonates with voters and whether it can be leveraged to achieve meaningful change.
Ultimately, the election is far from over, and the question remains whether Thomas Ravenel’s improbable bid for governor will yield a lasting impact on South Carolina’s politics. As the state embarks on this uncharted journey, one thing is certain: the next few months will be marked by drama, excitement, and a healthy dose of unpredictability. As the people of South Carolina prepare to shape their collective future, one question echoes through the air: will the unlikeliest of candidates become the most unexpected force in state politics?