Former reality TV star and ex-State Treasurer Thomas Ravenel has announced that he is no longer running for governor of South Carolina in 2026. Ravenel, known for his role on “Southern Charm,” cited his role as a single father to three young children as the reason for his decision. Ravenel’s candidacy was met with backlash due to his past legal troubles, including resigning from his position as treasurer in 2007 and facing assault charges in 2015.
With Ravenel out of the race, potential candidates for the 2026 election include Rep. Nancy Mace, Attorney General Alan Wilson, and Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette. Governor Henry McMaster recently made history as the longest-serving governor in South Carolina, surpassing 2,927 days in office. McMaster took over from Gov. Nikki Haley in 2017 and has been reelected twice since then.
Ravenel’s withdrawal from the gubernatorial race comes shortly after announcing his candidacy, leaving a gap in the field of potential candidates for the upcoming election. His decision to prioritize his family over politics has been met with mixed reactions, as South Carolina residents await the emergence of new candidates to lead the state in 2026.
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