Thomas Ravenel, a name synonymous with scandal and political ambition, has announced yet another run for office—this time setting his sights on the South Carolina governor’s mansion. The former State Treasurer and reality television personality declared his candidacy on Thursday, February 6, stating his intent to reshape the political landscape.
“I’m running for Governor of South Carolina, and none of the lightweights currently in the race are going to stop me,” Ravenel posted on X (formerly Twitter). “I have a message that’s going to change not just South Carolina but the entire country.”
This marks the fourth time the 62-year-old has pursued public office, despite a past riddled with legal troubles. His first attempt in 2004, a bid for a U.S. Senate seat, ended in a Federal Election Commission fine of nearly $20,000 for campaign finance violations. Nevertheless, he was later elected as South Carolina’s State Treasurer in 2006, a role he resigned from less than a year later following a federal indictment for cocaine distribution.
After pleading guilty to conspiracy charges, Ravenel served ten months in federal prison. Following his release, he briefly returned to politics, launching an independent Senate campaign in 2014 against Lindsey Graham, which resulted in a dismal 3.9% of the vote.
Despite his criminal record, Ravenel remains determined. Political analyst Mark Willis weighed in on his candidacy, stating, “Ravenel has a loyal base, but his past may be too much to overcome. South Carolinians value integrity, and he has a lot to prove.”
A Past That Won’t Stay Buried
Ravenel’s legal issues extend beyond politics. In 2018, real estate agent Ashley Perkins accused him of sexually assaulting her mother, an allegation he strongly denied. However, later that year, he pleaded guilty to a separate third-degree assault and battery charge and agreed to pay an $80,000 settlement to a sexual assault victims’ nonprofit. He was handed a 30-day suspended sentence and fined $500.
His personal life has also been tabloid fodder. His tumultuous relationship with Kathryn Dennis, the mother of his two children and fellow Southern Charm star, played out on national television. A former hairstylist of Dennis accused Ravenel of physical assault in 2014, though he was never formally charged.
Conservative Credentials in Question?
A self-proclaimed conservative, Ravenel has been vocal about his support for former President Donald Trump. In 2016, despite being legally unable to vote due to his felony conviction, he urged his followers to back Trump.
“If you believe our country should be great and provide equality and opportunity to ALL its citizens, then you must vote for Trump,” Ravenel wrote on Facebook at the time.
Yet, his checkered past raises doubts among GOP voters. Local Republican strategist Ben Cartwright expressed skepticism about Ravenel’s chances. “The party is looking for strong, principled leadership,” Cartwright said. “Ravenel is a showman, but South Carolina conservatives want substance, not spectacle.”
As the 2026 race heats up, Ravenel’s campaign is sure to be anything but dull. Whether voters are ready to embrace him once more remains to be seen.
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Hopefully Trump will stay out of it and not endorse him.
South Carolinians value integrity, and he has a lot to prove.” Make me laugh. When you have an idiot in Lindsay Graham representing you and the moron Mace represents you, obviously the state cannot count to 10 without help from the genius, Trump. Or maybe you should ask for his help on that as well.