Former reality TV star Thomas Ravenel enters South Carolina governor race
FILE – In a Thursday, Oct. 2, 2014 file photo, Independent U.S. Senate candidate Thomas Ravenel speaks to the West Ashley Rotary Club, in Charleston, S.C. (AP Photo/Jeffrey Collins, File)
(WCIV) — Former reality TV star and South Carolina state treasurer Thomas Ravenel announced he’s throwing his hat into the ring in the upcoming race for governor.
Known for his role on the Bravo reality-television series “Southern Charm,” Ravenel made the announcement on X Thursday evening.
“I’m running for Governor of South Carolina and none of the lightweights currently in the race are going to stop me,” he said. “I have a message that’s going to change not just South Carolina but the entire country.”
In 2007, Ravenel resigned from his position as state treasurer amid federal cocaine distribution charges. He was sentenced to 10 months in prison.
Ravenel avoided jail time in 2019 after pleading guilty to the assault of a nanny in 2015. Ravenel’s former nanny, Dawn Ledwell, told Charleston police Ravenel sexually assaulted her in 2015. Investigators did not have evidence to pursue sexual assault charges against Ravenel due to the time that passed between the incident and the time Ledwell reported it.
As part of the settlement agreement, Ravenel paid $80,000 to Charleston-based People Against Rape, a sexual violence victims advocacy group.
Ravenel joins what is thought to be a lengthy list of potential governor candidates. Rep. Nancy Mace has already said she is considering running for governor, and her recent attacks on South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson would indicate he is likely to join the race himself.
Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette is also a likely candidate.
Governor Henry McMaster recently made history as the Palmetto State’s longest serving governor at 2,927 days. McMaster took over for Gov. Nikki Haley in 2017 when Donald Trump appointed her as U.N. ambassador. He then was reelected twice after that.
