News Summary
Josh Kimbrell, a Republican state senator from Spartanburg County, has declared his candidacy for the governor of South Carolina, aiming to launch his campaign at the upcoming Carolina Day Celebration. Kimbrell’s platform focuses on eliminating the state income tax, promoting traditional values, and advocating for universal school choice. Despite facing challenges with name recognition, his legislative track record and experiences as a radio host and small business owner could appeal to voters. The political landscape is competitive, with other potential candidates gearing up for the race.
Inman, South Carolina – Josh Kimbrell, a Republican state senator from Spartanburg County, has announced his intention to run for governor of South Carolina in the upcoming 2026 election. Kimbrell, who has served in the South Carolina Senate since 2020, made his mark by defeating a long-standing Democratic incumbent in his electoral debut.
The official launch of Kimbrell’s campaign is set for June 28, 2025, coinciding with the “Carolina Day Celebration.” This event will take place at Bowen’s Landing, located at 8681 Highway 9 in Inman, SC, starting at noon.
Kimbrell’s campaign will focus on creating a “stronger, freer state rooted in our founding principles.” His proposed platform emphasizes various key issues, including the elimination of the state income tax, which he intends to replace with a more equitable sales tax system. He aims to promote faith and traditional values, safeguard parental rights through the establishment of a new state office dedicated to this cause—the SC Office of Parental Rights—and expand immigration enforcement. Kimbrell also advocates for universal school choice, proposing tax credits and religious charter schools as viable options. Additionally, he has pledged to cut bureaucratic red tape by employing artificial intelligence to review and sunset outdated regulations every five years while modernizing state services. Improving health care, housing, and mental health services for veterans is also part of his agenda.
Kimbrell’s legislative track record includes notable achievements such as advocating for the state’s significant income tax reduction, championing the Heartbeat Bill—which restricts abortions after six weeks—and supporting constitutional carry laws allowing permitless open carry of handguns. Moreover, he sponsored a constitutional amendment prohibiting illegal immigrants from voting.
In addition to his political endeavors, Kimbrell has experience as a radio host of a Christian program and as a small business owner. These background roles may appeal to voters seeking a candidate with both personal and professional insights into community values.
The Republican primary for the South Carolina governor’s race is shaping up to be competitive, with potential candidates like Attorney General Alan Wilson and U.S. Representative Nancy Mace expected to announce their candidacies later this summer. As Kimbrell prepares for his campaign launch, he will need to navigate the challenges posed by established candidates and strengthen his recognition among South Carolina voters.
As the 2026 election looms, Kimbrell’s campaign is set to focus on key legislative priorities, and his performance in the race will be closely watched by constituents and political analysts alike.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Alan Wilson Announces Gubernatorial Candidacy in South Carolina
Josh Kimbrell Announces Gubernatorial Campaign for 2026
Candidates Emerge for South Carolina Gubernatorial Race
Aiken Chamber of Commerce Advocates for Small Business
Aiken Chamber Participates in South Carolina Small Business Day
Aiken Chamber of Commerce Attends Small Business Day
Additional Resources
- WYFF 4
- Wikipedia: South Carolina
- Fox Carolina
- Google Search: Josh Kimbrell
- WPDE ABC News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: 2026
- Post and Courier
- Google News: South Carolina Governor Election 2026
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.
