South Carolina Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette talks to voters in North Augusta

NORTH AUGUSTA, S.C. (WJBF) – South Carolina Lt. Gov Pamela Evette made a campaign stop in North Augusta Wednesday as part of her bid for governor.

Evette met with voters at a Steel Magnolia Republican Women event at Southbound Smokehouse, where she outlined her vision for addressing critical issues if she wins the top job. 

I spoke to Evette about her platform.

She highlighted how her business background sets her apart from gubernatorial candidates, and she expressed her concerns about regulations in the Palmetto State.

“We also aim to eliminate unnecessary regulations,” she said. 

“I propose that we sunset all existing regulations and present them to the General Assembly to determine which ones are effective.”

Evette says she is passionate about improving education through school choice. She also wants to make sure high school graduates are ready for college, the military, or their careers. She says she’s been talking about school choice for years. 

“We saw it go through the General Assembly. I want to see full universal school choice move across the finish line. When you look at states who have passed school choice they have had the biggest increases in educational success,” Evette said. 

Earlier this year, Gov. Henry McMaster signed legislation restoring and expanding the state’s education savings accounts program (ESAs), which are similar to school vouchers. The Palmetto State had the Education Scholarship Trust Fund Program last year, but the state Supreme Court abruptly halted it in September 2024, just weeks into the school year. 

Evette has served as Lt. Governor alongside Gov. Henry McMaster. She says that experience and her business expertise have helped her prepare for the role of governor. 

“I have been a successful executive in the private sector, and I have sat on the right hand of the governor for seven years as his Lieutenant Governor,” she said.

“I will be effective on day one. There will be no on the job training.

Evette says she wants to continue doing events throughout the state and talk face to face with voters. 

The primary for South Carolina governor will take place in June 2026. 

While most Palmetto State voters are undecided in the race for governor, a recent poll shows Lt. Gov. Evette leading the pack. Trafalgar polled around 1,100 likely Republican voters. The results found that 20% of voters said they would vote for Evette.

The poll was conducted from September 30 to October 2 with a 2.9% margin of error.