South Carolina’s 93rd Lieutenant Governor, Pamela Evette, has emerged as one of the most high-profile conservative leaders in the Southeast — and now she’s setting her sights on the Governor’s Mansion.
Who Is Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette?
Pamela Sue Evette (née Gajoch), born August 28, 1967, is an American politician, entrepreneur, and the 93rd Lieutenant Governor of South Carolina. She has held this office since January 9, 2019, making history as the first female Republican lieutenant governor in South Carolina’s history — and the first lieutenant governor elected on the same ticket as the governor.
A granddaughter of Polish immigrants, Evette was born in Ohio and earned her Bachelor of Business Administration in accounting from Cleveland State University. She later moved to Travelers Rest, South Carolina, in 2005, where she founded Quality Business Solutions (QBS) — a payroll, human resources, and back-office solutions firm that grew from a startup into a national company in under two decades.
Her unlikely path from accountant to top state official has become a signature element of her political identity, and she frequently draws comparisons between her entrepreneurial background and that of President Donald Trump.
A Record of Conservative Leadership in South Carolina
Since taking office alongside Governor Henry McMaster, Evette has been a tireless advocate for conservative priorities across the Palmetto State. Key highlights from her tenure include:
Small Business Advocacy: Evette has served on South Carolina’s Small Business Regulatory Review Committee, working to challenge regulations that burden small and women-owned businesses.
Youth Employment: In May 2024, she co-announced the “Empowering Tomorrow’s Leaders” Youth Employment Initiative with the S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce, creating a dedicated job board for teenagers.
Hurricane Helene Relief: Evette stood alongside Governor McMaster to support South Carolinians impacted by Hurricane Helene, helping coordinate state-level relief efforts.
Law Enforcement Support: She has been a vocal champion of law enforcement pay increases and has actively promoted the HALO (Helping Alleviate Lawful Obstruction) Act, which would allow police to arrest individuals who obstruct first responders on the scene.
Acting Governor: In December 2023, when Governor McMaster underwent a heart procedure, Evette briefly served as acting governor — demonstrating her readiness to lead.
Awards and Recognition: Over her time in office, she has been recognized with numerous honors, including the Transportation Association of South Carolina’s Elected Official of the Year (2020), induction into the 50 Most Influential People in the Upstate Hall of Fame (2021), and the Christian Woman of Distinction Award from She Leads Carolinas (2024).
Pamela Evette Announces Run for Governor of South Carolina
On July 14, 2025, Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette officially launched her campaign for Governor of South Carolina at The Smokestack at Judson Mill in Greenville, becoming the third candidate to enter the Republican primary field.
Speaking to an overflow crowd of supporters, Evette declared: “I stand before you as a mother, a conservative businesswoman and a fighter who is ready from day one to continue that conservative legacy as your next governor.”
Her campaign is built around several core priorities:
- Eliminating the state income tax — cited as her number-one priority on day one as governor
- Expanding school choice for South Carolina families
- Regulatory reform — pledging to eliminate ten regulations for every new one proposed
- Immigration enforcement — pledging to continue empowering state law enforcement to work alongside federal immigration authorities
- Supporting President Trump’s agenda — including border security and economic deregulation
Evette has positioned herself as having a uniquely close relationship with the Trump White House, telling supporters: “South Carolina needs a governor who has earned his trust. A governor who doesn’t need to build a relationship. A governor who can pick up the phone and get things done.”
Governor McMaster’s Endorsement — A Major Milestone
In a significant development on February 12, a milestone endorsement arrived: Governor Henry McMaster — South Carolina’s longest-serving governor — officially backed Evette as his preferred successor.
At a Columbia press conference, McMaster called Evette his “eyes and ears” and praised her commitment to his governing philosophy of “collaboration, cooperation and communication.” He said, “South Carolina is strong, and we are winning. We need to keep winning with Pamela Evette as our next governor.”
The endorsement is considered one of the most coveted in the state Republican Party, given McMaster’s long record of wins, his close ties to President Trump, and his influence across South Carolina’s legislative landscape. McMaster was notably one of the first major public officials to endorse Trump during the 2016 presidential primary.
Evette responded at the press conference: “We have been the conservative powerhouse of the nation — taking what is just smart, common-sense ideas — the largest tax cuts in our state’s history, increasing pay for our law enforcement, raising teacher pay.”
The 46-County Tour: Meeting Every South Carolinian
One standout moment from Evette’s gubernatorial campaign was her ambitious 46-county tour, which she completed by the end of 2025. Beginning in Edgefield County in August and ending in Bishopville (Lee County), the five-month tour saw Evette visiting local gathering spots, diners, and community landmarks across every corner of the state.
“I want people to understand that I truly care,” she told the SC Daily Gazette after completing the final stop.
The tour reinforced her campaign message: that South Carolinians across big cities and small towns are united in wanting a business-minded governor who understands the economy and the daily challenges of working families.
The 2025 Republican Primary Field
Evette faces a competitive Republican primary field ahead of the June 9 primary election. Her opponents include South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson, U.S. Representative Nancy Mace, U.S. Representative Ralph Norman, and State Senator Josh Kimbrell. Two Democrats — State Representative Jermaine Johnson and attorney Mullins McLeod — are also in the race.
Despite the crowded field, Evette enters the primary with several key advantages: McMaster’s endorsement, strong name recognition from her years as lieutenant governor, an established relationship with President Trump, and a compelling personal story as a self-made entrepreneur and mother of three.
Candidate filing opens March 16, with the Republican primary set for June 9 and the general election slated for November.
Pamela Evette: Personal Life and Values
Evette and her husband, David — who served as COO of QBS — reside in Travelers Rest, South Carolina. They have three children and attend Prince of Peace Catholic Church in Taylors, South Carolina. Her mother, Jennie, lives with them.
Her personal story — immigrant family roots, a career built from scratch, and a deep commitment to faith, family, and hard work — has been central to her public persona throughout her time in state government.
Why Pamela Evette Matters for South Carolina’s Future
Whether you follow South Carolina politics closely or are just learning about her for the first time, Pamela Evette represents a distinctive profile in American politics: a businesswoman-turned-lieutenant-governor with over six years of executive governing experience, now making her case to be the state’s next chief executive.
Her platform — tax elimination, school choice, deregulation, law enforcement support, and immigration enforcement — reflects the prevailing priorities of South Carolina’s Republican base. Her endorsement from Governor McMaster, combined with her relationship with the Trump administration, positions her as a frontrunner in what promises to be one of the most closely watched gubernatorial races in the South.
As the primary approaches, all eyes will be on whether Evette can translate her governing record, grassroots outreach, and high-profile endorsements into a winning coalition.
Stay updated on the South Carolina governor’s race and the latest news on Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette by following our political coverage.