News Summary
State Senator Josh Kimbrell of Spartanburg is set to kick off his gubernatorial campaign with a rally in Inman during the Carolina Day Celebration. Kimbrell aims to connect with voters by promoting a conservative agenda that includes eliminating the state income tax and enhancing immigration enforcement. As the first candidate to enter the race for the competitive 2026 South Carolina gubernatorial election, he faces challenges with name recognition, as only 21% of Republican voters are familiar with him.
Inman, South Carolina – State Senator Josh Kimbrell, a Republican from Spartanburg, has announced plans to kick off his gubernatorial campaign with a rally scheduled for Friday, June 28, at noon. The event, which is part of a Carolina Day Celebration, will take place at Bowen’s Landing in Inman and is expected to draw a significant crowd eager to hear Kimbrell’s vision for the state’s future.
Kimbrell’s press release indicates that he views this rally as a pivotal moment for South Carolina. During the event, he intends to present his campaign platform, which emphasizes faith, the protection of the republican form of government, and the creation of new opportunities for South Carolinians. He aims to connect with voters by promoting an agenda that resonates with traditional conservative values.
Since his election to the South Carolina legislature in 2020, Kimbrell has made his mark by successfully flipping District 11 from Democratic to Republican. He has gained a reputation as a fervent advocate for various conservative policies, including the state’s largest income tax cut, the Heartbeat Bill that restricts abortions, constitutional carry legislation allowing residents to carry firearms without a permit, and a proposal to amend the constitution to block illegal immigrants from voting.
Kimbrell’s campaign plans to include a suite of policy proposals that address key issues facing the state. Notable points on his platform include the complete elimination of the state income tax, enhanced immigration enforcement measures, and the introduction of universal school choice, which would give families more options regarding their children’s education.
The 2026 gubernatorial election is expected to be competitive, with Kimbrell lining up against a number of prominent Republican candidates. These include Attorney General Alan Wilson, U.S. House Representative Nancy Mace, Lt. Governor Pamela Evette, and State Representative Jermaine Johnson. As the first candidate to make a formal announcement about entering the race, Kimbrell has also crafted an exploratory committee to support his campaign efforts.
Despite his experience and achievements, a recent poll highlighted a challenge for Kimbrell, revealing that only 21% of Republican voters are familiar with him. This statistic showcases a potential uphill battle with name recognition as he seeks broader support across the party.
Kimbrell, who is 40 years old, has previously worked as a talk show host, earning him a reputation as media-savvy among his supporters. His candidacy is emerging as current Governor Henry McMaster steps away from seeking re-election in 2026, leaving the field open for new contenders.
Through his campaign, Kimbrell has articulated a vision that centers on promoting God, family, and faith, reinforcing his commitment to ensuring that traditional values play a central role in governing South Carolina. As more details about his plans unfold following the rally, Kimbrell’s ability to connect with voters will be integral to his success in the election ahead.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- WYFF4 News
- Fox Carolina
- WPDE News
- Wikipedia: South Carolina
- The State
- Encyclopedia Britannica: South Carolina
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.
