News Summary

Thomas Ravenel, former South Carolina state treasurer, has withdrawn from the 2026 governor race just one day after announcing his candidacy. Citing his responsibilities as a single father of three, Ravenel emphasized the priority of family over political ambitions. His past includes a turbulent journey through legal troubles, reality television, and previous political attempts. With the current governor set to exit in 2027, other Republican candidates are preparing to run for the governor’s seat, while Ravenel steps back to focus on his family.

Charleston: A Change of Plans for Thomas Ravenel

In Charleston, South Carolina, former state treasurer Thomas Ravenel has made the decision to withdraw from the race for governor in 2026, a move he announced shortly after declaring his candidacy. Originally entering the fray on February 6, 2025, Ravenel had expressed his intent to shake things up, asserting that he didn’t believe any of the current contenders could challenge him. However, just a day later, he re-evaluated his priorities and stepped back from the political arena.

The Pressures of Parenthood

The crux of Ravenel’s decision lies in his responsibilities as a single father of three young children. Now at 62 years old, he emphasized that family comes first and that this particular moment in his life is not the right time to embark on a hectic campaign in South Carolina’s political landscape. Although diving into politics can be a tempting avenue for some, it appears that for Ravenel, building a future for his family takes precedence.

A Glimpse into Ravenel’s Past

Ravenel is not a newcomer to the public eye. He served as the treasurer of South Carolina from 2007 but left office after only seven months due to a federal indictment related to drug charges. His legal troubles led to a 10-month prison sentence after he pled guilty to conspiring to possess cocaine. Following his stint in incarceration, he became a recognizable face on reality television as a cast member of Bravo’s hit show “Southern Charm” from 2014 until 2018, although he departed the series amid serious allegations of sexual assault.

In 2019, Ravenel pled guilty to third-degree assault and battery. As a result, he received a suspended sentence along with a $500 fine, and agreed to pay $80,000 to the nonprofit organization People Against Rape, further indicating a turbulent past that still lingers in the shadows of his political ambitions.

Previous Political Ambitions

Ravenel’s political dreams do not stop with this most recent gubernatorial bid. He previously attempted to forge a comeback by running for a U.S. Senate seat in 2014 but finished third, garnering only about 4% of the overall vote. His latest withdrawal opens up the playing field for other candidates eager to take over the governor’s mansion.

Looking Ahead: The Governor’s Race

With Henry McMaster, the current governor, set to exit in January 2027, eyes are now on potential candidates to fill the impending vacancy. The race is shaping up to include weigh-in from prominent Republican figures such as Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, Attorney General Alan Wilson, and U.S. Congresswoman Nancy Mace. As of Ravenel’s decision to step back, no official candidates had filed their nominations to run for the governor’s seat.

Where Does This Leave Ravenel?

So, where does this leave Thomas Ravenel? While he may be stepping away from the political spotlight for now, his experiences — both good and bad — could still resonate with the public should he choose to make a return in the future. Life as a father of three undoubtedly shapes his decisions and perspectives, and Ravenel seems eager to dedicate himself to nurturing his family until the next chapter of his life opens up. For now, he’s taking a break from the political game, focusing instead on the cherished moments with his children.

While it may be a **disappointment** for some supporters eager for his political comeback, others may see this decision as a refreshing reminder of the importance of family over ambition. Whatever comes next for Ravenel, one thing is for sure: he certainly knows how to keep the public engaged.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

• Live 5 News
• SC Daily Gazette
• The State
• People
• ABC News 4