News Summary
Former State Treasurer Thomas Ravenel recently announced his candidacy for governor of South Carolina but withdrew after just four days. His decision was influenced by his commitment to his responsibilities as a single father of three. Ravenel, who has had a tumultuous political career and gained fame from the reality show ‘Southern Charm’, cited family needs as a priority over his political ambitions. The upcoming gubernatorial election in 2026 is already attracting a diverse field of potential candidates.
Charleston Buzz: Thomas Ravenel’s Wild and Brief Bid for Governor
Charleston has been abuzz with the whirlwind news about former State Treasurer Thomas Ravenel, who just made a splash in the political scene with his announcement to run for governor of South Carolina. However, in what can only be described as a roller coaster of excitement and sudden disappointment, he has already pulled the plug on his campaign after just four days!
From Reality Star to Political Aspirant
Ravenel, best known for his role as a reality TV star on “Southern Charm”, took to the platform now known as X (formerly Twitter) to share his ambitions last Thursday. He expressed quite a bit of gusto, freely dismissing his opponents as mere “lightweights.” He seems to have had quite a vision – aiming to change not just South Carolina but the entire country with his potential governorship. With his bold claims and theatrical approach, it felt like we were in for a wild ride leading up to the upcoming elections.
But just as quickly as he raised the hopes of some supporters, he came crashing back to Earth. On Tuesday, Ravenel announced his decision to withdraw from the race. The reason? His responsibilities as a single father to three young children came first. He emphasized how important family is and how it needs to take precedence over political desires.
A Checkered Past
It’s worth noting that Ravenel’s journey in politics hasn’t exactly been smooth sailing. He served as South Carolina’s treasurer from November 2006 until his resignation in July 2007, and let’s just say that his exit wasn’t on the best terms. Ravenel found himself entangled in some serious legal troubles involving federal cocaine distribution charges. This led to an indictment, and he ultimately served ten months in federal prison.
After his time behind bars, he made headlines again by starring in five seasons of “Southern Charm” from 2014 to 2018, where he showcased a different side of himself that was far removed from the political arena. Despite his setbacks, he didn’t completely wash his hands of politics. In 2014, he made a bid for U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham’s seat, but that attempt ended up with just around 4% of the vote.
The Current Political Landscape
Now, Ravaniel’s exit comes at a curious time as South Carolina prepares for the next gubernatorial election in 2026. Although he had set his sights on the highest office in the state, plenty of other candidates are lining up to take on the challenge, including some well-known figures like Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, Attorney General Alan Wilson, and U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace. It’s an interesting mix, and none have officially filed their candidacies yet since the filing period hasn’t even opened.
Ravenel identifies himself as a Libertarian, which adds another layer to the already crowded political mix in the state. Interestingly, his announcement came on the heels of another Libertarian candidate declaring their intention to run for the 2024 presidential election.
Mixed Reactions and Past Demons
The public reaction to Ravenel’s brief stint in the race has been mixed at best. As with any figure with a checkered past, especially one involving drug charges and a guilty plea for assault and battery in 2019, it appears there is significant skepticism surrounding his intentions and capability. Fans of his reality TV persona may be divided – some may have cheered him on while others were more reserved.
At 62 years old, Thomas Ravenel carries the legacy of his father, Arthur Ravenel Jr., who was a well-known state lawmaker and U.S. Congressman. Arthur was instrumental in funding the famous Arthur Ravenel Bridge. Perhaps, amidst all of this, Ravenel just needs a little more time at home with his children to figure out his next steps.
What follows for Thomas Ravenel remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: this is a guy who knows how to capture an audience, whether it’s through political ambition or reality TV drama. In the meantime, it seems like he’s choosing to put family first, which might just be the right decision for him right now.
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Additional Resources
- Live 5 News: Thomas Ravenel Changes Mind on Gubernatorial Run
- WPDE: Thomas Ravenel Exits South Carolina Governor Race
- TV Insider: Thomas Ravenel’s Legal Problems
- The State: Thomas Ravenel’s Political Journey
- Wikipedia: Thomas Ravenel
Author: STAFF HERE CHARLESTON
The CHARLESTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREcharleston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charleston, Charleston County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Spoleto Festival USA, Charleston Wine + Food Festival, and the MOJA Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce and the Charleston Museum, plus leading businesses in tourism and maritime industries that power the local economy such as South Carolina Ports Authority and the Charleston Visitor Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaiken.com, HEREbeaufort.com, HEREchapin.com, HEREcharleston.com, HEREclinton.com, HEREcolumbia.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, HEREgreenwood.com, HEREgreenville.com, HEREhiltonhead.com, HEREirmo.com, HEREmyrtlebeach.com, HEREnewberry.com, HERErockhill.com, HEREspartanburg.com, HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
