Republican Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette is expected to launch a bid for South Carolina governor as soon as this week, a source close to Evette told the Daily Caller.
A person familiar with Evette’s plans confirmed she intends to announce her candidacy in the coming days, teeing up a campaign for the state’s top office in 2026.
Speculation swirled after a campaign-style graphic inviting supporters to “join Pamela Evette for a very special announcement” on July 14 began circulating online, with the source confirming to the Caller it will serve as her official gubernatorial kickoff.(RELATED: North Carolina Republican Senate Nomination Seems To Be All Lara Trump’s — If She Wants It)
“It’s happening,” the source told the Caller.
Evette, the first female Republican lieutenant governor in South Carolina history, has served alongside Gov. Henry McMaster since 2019. She succeeded Kevin Bryant, who briefly held the post after Nikki Haley became U.N. ambassador and McMaster moved up from lieutenant governor. Bryant went on to lose the 2018 Republican gubernatorial primary.
Attorney General Alan Wilson, a four-term Republican, launched his own campaign for governor on June 23, setting the stage for a competitive GOP primary, according to a South Carolina Public Radio report. (RELATED: Trump Pick To Face Dem Lawmaker In Key Governor’s Showdown)
The 2026 contest will be South Carolina’s first open gubernatorial race since 2010.
Before taking office, Evette founded and led Quality Business Solutions (QBS), a firm providing payroll, HR, and benefits services. She also served on South Carolina’s Small Business Regulatory Review Committee.
Evette earned a business administration degree, with an accounting concentration from Cleveland State University. Her husband, David Evette, now serves as president of QBS.
