South Carolina Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette told Clarendon County Republicans on Jan. 15 that she is running for governor to push what she called a business-first approach to state government, including a long-term goal of eliminating South Carolina’s state income tax and cutting regulations she said make it harder for companies to grow.
Evette was the keynote speaker at the Clarendon County GOP’s regularly held meeting at the party’s headquarters on North Brooks Street. The evening’s agenda also included remarks from a U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham representative, a local candidate for county auditor, and members of Clarendon County’s legislative delegation.
The meeting opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance and the Republican creed. Party leaders estimated attendance at more than 40 people, encouraged members to renew dues and donate toward meeting expenses, and reported that a fall silent auction fundraiser raised $840. They also said proposed county party bylaws approved in December were in effect pending state approval.
Evette, a business owner and accountant by trade, recounted building what she described as a national company operating in 49 states before entering politics. She said Gov. Henry McMaster recruited her to run for lieutenant governor in part because he wanted “a business person” in the role.
During her remarks, Evette highlighted accomplishments she attributed to the McMaster administration, including income tax cuts, pay raises for law enforcement, a law addressing participation in girls’ and women’s sports, and efforts to ban so-called sanctuary cities. She also cited education and school safety funding, saying the state was nearing a goal of raising starting teacher pay to $50,000 and had funded a trained, armed school resource officer for every public school.
Evette said her campaign platform includes creating a statewide “master plan” to guide growth in both rural and urban areas. She said infrastructure was among the most common concerns she heard while visiting all 46 counties, noting that rural communities in particular want to be included in long-term planning efforts rather than reacting to development after the fact.
Referencing the governor’s proposed executive budget, Evette said state leaders had requested $1.1 billion to accelerate infrastructure projects, arguing that delays ultimately increase costs. She said faster completion of road and bridge projects would benefit both taxpayers and businesses.
Asked by state Sen. Jeff Zell about rural infrastructure challenges and what the governor’s office could do to address local needs, Evette said she wants to focus resources strategically while ensuring rural communities are not overlooked. She pointed specifically to forestry and landowner concerns, including access for transporting timber to mills, and said preserving working lands remains a priority.
Evette also discussed a proposal to sunset state regulations, requiring them to be reviewed and reauthorized by the General Assembly. She said the goal would be to eliminate outdated rules while clarifying others, adding that she wants South Carolina to become “the most business-friendly state in the country.”
Sam Densmore, a state field director for Graham, spoke to the group about Graham’s recent legislative efforts and urged attendees to support the senator’s reelection campaign. Kimberly Herbert, a candidate for Clarendon County auditor, outlined her priorities, saying she would focus on transparency, accountability and efficiency, including public education on tax exemptions and improved customer service.
State Rep. Fawn Pedalino and Zell also addressed the audience, promoting an upcoming legislative town hall focused on priorities for the 2026 session. The town hall is scheduled for 6 p.m. Friday, Jan. 23, at Pine Grove Church, 1090 Morgan St. in Turbeville, and is open to the public. Pedalino said lawmakers plan to discuss issues including family affordability, transportation and infrastructure, and legislative priorities for the upcoming session. She also noted that legislation related to truck weight limits is moving forward to address concerns raised by local taxpayers.
Zell praised local candidates stepping forward to run for office and publicly endorsed Herbert’s candidacy for auditor. He also expressed support for Evette, citing her accessibility and involvement with local issues, and encouraged party members to remain engaged ahead of the upcoming primary.
In closing, party Chairman Jose Calvo acknowledged the recent death of longtime Clarendon County Council member W.J. Frierson Sr., who served the county for more than 30 years. Calvo also announced upcoming meeting dates, including a Feb. 12 gathering featuring a candidate for commissioner of agriculture, and encouraged members to remain active in party events.
