South Carolina Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette officially launched her campaign for the state’s 2026 governor race July 14, telling CatholicVote that her “faith drives” her “to serve.”
Evette, a Catholic, is the third Republican to announce a bid for the South Carolina governor’s office. She joins state Sen. Josh Kimbrell and Attorney General Alan Wilson, who launched their campaigns earlier this year.
In remarks to CatholicVote, Evette said her faith is “what keeps me grounded even during challenging times,” and described it as central to her public service.
“I believe that our strongest leaders are those who have the strongest faith, because they know that God is with them in the work they are doing,” she said, “and therefore it serves a much higher purpose.”
“As a conservative, Christian woman, my faith has always been at the center of my life,” she added, “It informs me in my daily decision-making, whether it has to do with my family and my three children or the people and business of South Carolina.”
Evette pledged to “defend religious liberty and Christian values,” adding that parents must have the freedom to “raise their children according to their beliefs, not the government’s mandate.”
“While there are many things I hope to accomplish as Governor of South Carolina,” she said, “I believe my fellow Catholics will be most interested in my unwavering commitment to protect our religious liberties, stand firm against abortion and fight for the unborn, and improve educational outcomes in South Carolina.”
She emphasized that pro-life advocacy would remain central to her campaign.
“I will continue to be proudly pro-life,” she said. “As a Catholic, I’ve been a tireless advocate for the unborn. I will never waver in my commitment to protect the unborn.”
Evette announced her campaign in a July 14 video posted to her social media. The video includes footage of President Donald Trump praising Evette as “fantastic” and “a warrior” and of outgoing Republican Gov. Henry McMaster commending her as a trusted partner.
Let's stand up and Keep South Carolina Great! #KeepSCGreat pic.twitter.com/bdzPEevWs1
— Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette (@PamelaEvette) July 14, 2025
In the hours following her announcement, she released a series of statements on X outlining her platform.
She pledged to defend religious liberty, advocate for universal school choice, and protect Second Amendment rights. Evette also pledged to create a state Department of Government Efficiency and promised to ensure state immigration enforcement is aligned with Trump’s policies.
“At the heart of my campaign is a commitment to protect what makes South Carolina great, to continue the legacy that Governor Henry McMaster and I have built together,” she told CatholicVote. “From the very beginning, we’ve worked as a team — banning sanctuary cities, standing firm with law enforcement, protecting life, defending your Second Amendment rights, fighting for parental rights, and upholding faith and family values.”