Former South Carolina state treasurer and reality television star Thomas Ravenel is considering a return to politics, citing the state’s “terrible leadership” and the need for tax reform and school choice. Ravenel, a former rising star in the Republican party, has a checkered past that includes a federal drug charge.
Ravenel, son of former U.S. congressman Arthur Ravenel Jr., gained fame on the reality TV show Southern Charm, but has faced legal issues including charges of assault and battery. The upcoming 2026 election cycle will be the first time Ravenel is eligible to seek statewide office in fifteen years.
Ravenel is one of three former statewide officials considering a return to politics in 2026, with former governor Mark Sanford and former lieutenant governor André Bauer also eyeing campaigns. Ravenel’s political aspirations could provide a unique alternative in South Carolina politics, given his past electoral history and controversial public image.
While Ravenel’s background may raise eyebrows, his call for tax reform and school choice may resonate with voters looking for change. As South Carolina continues to grapple with leadership issues and outdated policies, Ravenel’s potential entry into the political arena could shake up the status quo and bring attention to critical issues facing the Palmetto State.
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