News Summary
State Senator Josh Kimbrell has officially declared his intention to run for governor in the upcoming 2026 election. The Republican senator representing Spartanburg County will kick off his campaign during the ‘Carolina Day Celebration’ on June 28, 2025. With a strong conservative record and a proposal to eliminate the state income tax, Kimbrell aims to increase his visibility among voters as he prepares for a competitive Republican primary against notable opponents.
Inman, South Carolina – State Senator Josh Kimbrell has announced his intentions to run for governor in the 2026 election. The 38-year-old Republican, representing Spartanburg County, will officially launch his campaign on June 28, 2025, during the “Carolina Day Celebration,” taking place at Bowen’s Landing at noon.
Kimbrell has been serving in the South Carolina Senate since winning his seat in the 2020 election, where he overcame incumbent Glenn Reese, a Democrat who had held the position since 1991. With a solid conservative track record under his belt, including a six-week abortion ban, an income tax reduction, and permitless open carry legislation, Kimbrell presents himself as a formidable candidate as he prepares for the upcoming electoral battle.
The senator’s campaign will focus on a series of key issues. Among his proposals is the elimination of the state income tax, which he plans to replace with a sales tax. Kimbrell champions universal school choice through tax credits and religious charter schools, introducing an Office of Parental Rights aimed at protecting families from government overreach in education and healthcare. He also emphasizes the integration of artificial intelligence in government to streamline regulations, along with enhancing healthcare, housing, and mental health services specifically for veterans.
Kimbrell articulated a sense of urgency regarding the current political climate in South Carolina, labeling it as “critical.” He aims to ground his vision for the state in faith and foundational American principles. Despite his ambitious agenda, Kimbrell faces significant challenges, notably his current visibility among voters. A recent Winthrop University poll indicated that only 21% of South Carolina voters are aware of his political presence.
As the political landscape develops, Kimbrell is expected to encounter stiff competition in the Republican primary, with notable figures such as Attorney General Alan Wilson and U.S. Representative Nancy Mace also rumored to be considering runs. Kimbrell currently has a campaign fund of approximately $7,300 as of March 31, 2025, and is leveraging his position in the state Senate to enhance his statewide recognition and appeal.
As Kimbrell positions himself for the 2026 gubernatorial race, scrutiny over his previous policy positions and voting history is anticipated, which may influence voter support in the primaries. The Republican primary promises to be an engaging and competitive forum, given the number of aspirants and the stakes involved in the upcoming election.
Kimbrell’s announcement marks an important moment for South Carolina politics, setting the stage for what could be a dynamic electoral cycle ahead as various candidates begin to lay out their platforms and strategies for securing the governorship.
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Candidates Emerge for South Carolina Gubernatorial Race
Additional Resources
- WSPA: SC Senator Josh Kimbrell Announces Run for Governor
- Wikipedia: Josh Kimbrell
- Live 5 News: Kimbrell Announces Run for SC Governor
- Google Search: Josh Kimbrell 2026 gubernatorial race
- Fox Carolina: SC Senator Josh Kimbrell Announces Run for Governor
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Governor
- WPDE: SC State Sen. Josh Kimbrell Announces Bid for Governor
- Google Scholar: Josh Kimbrell
Author: STAFF HERE SPARTANBURG
The SPARTANBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESpartanburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Spartanburg, Spartanburg County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Spartanburg International Festival, Spartanburg ArtWalk, and motorsport events at Spartanburg Speedway. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Spartanburg Area Chamber of Commerce and the Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System Foundation, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and textiles that power the local economy such as BMW Manufacturing and Milliken & Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
