Author: pamelaevette

Originally published by WIS News 10 Staff and Patrick Phillips on July 7, 2025

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS/WCSC) – South Carolina’s lieutenant governor, who has been expected to enter the governor’s race, is set to make a special announcement early next week.

Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette invited supporters to the announcement on July 14 at The Smokestack at Judson Mill in Greenville, WIS-TV reported.

The invitation was not clear about the reason for the announcement, but Evette has been considered a likely candidate for the race to succeed Gov. Henry McMaster.

If Evette were to announce her campaign, she would be joining a Republican primary field that includes current South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson and Upstate Sen. Josh Kimbrell.

McMaster, the longest-serving governor in state history, rose to the role from lieutenant governor when then-Gov. Nikki Haley stepped down to serve as an ambassador for the United Nations during the first Donald Trump administration in 2017. After he completed her term, McMaster was then elected to two full terms of his own.

An early poll conducted back in March gave Evette a slight edge over other Republicans considered at the time to be likely gubernatorial contenders. Evette pulled a 31% lead among those surveyed, compared to Wilson’s 27% of the vote.

First District Congresswoman Nancy Mace, who has not officially announced a run but said she was considering one back in January, came in second place in that poll at 29%, while Fifth District Congressman Ralph Norman came in with 11%.

On the other side of the ticket, Democratic state Rep. Jermaine Johnson recently formed an exploratory committee around a possible run for governor.

30-day journey showcasing South Carolina’s natural wonders

GREENVILLE COUNTY, S.C. — Braving scorching summer temperatures that soared above 90 degrees each day, South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) Director Dr. Tom Mullikin and the SC7 team have completed the first week of the 2025 SC7 Expedition, having traversed more than 70 miles of the Palmetto Trail with over 500 participants joining from across the state.

Now in its sixth year, the SC7 (South Carolina Seven) Expedition is a 30-day journey showcasing South Carolina’s natural wonders—stretching from the Upstate mountains to the coastal Lowcountry. The initiative is led by SCDNR Director Tom Mullikin, Michelle McCollum, and members of the South Carolina National Heritage Corridor, in partnership with Global Eco Adventures—all committed to highlighting and protecting the state’s rich natural and cultural resources.

The 2025 journey began with a ceremonial send-off attended by South Carolina Senate President Thomas Alexander and Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette, both of whom have completed the trail in previous years.

“Thank you to SCDNR Director Tom Mullikin for leading the SC7 expedition to shine a light on all our state has to offer residents and visitors. Eco-tourism is a critical part of our state’s economy, and I encourage all South Carolinians to get outside and enjoy it — from the mountains and lakes, to our rivers and beaches,” said Lieutenant Governor Evette.

According to Director Mullikin, one of the most moving moments of the first week occurred on July 4, when the SC7 team summited Table Rock Mountain in honor of America’s veterans. Along the way, participants learned about the recovery of fire-damaged forest areas, with insights from SCDNR Botanist Keith Bradley, who highlighted native species regeneration and the importance of habitat restoration.

SCDNR’s elite Law Enforcement officers were embedded throughout the journey, assisting hikers in challenging conditions, including on the strenuous ascent to Sassafras Mountain, the state’s highest point. Officers provided guidance and support to visitors facing heat-related stress, ensuring safety while also showcasing SCDNR’s on-the-ground role in conservation stewardship.

“Our game wardens are not only law enforcement officers—they are educators, stewards, and protectors of public lands,” said Director Mullikin. “Their presence this week reinforced the mission of SCDNR in the field.”

The SC7 Expedition has attracted widespread attention, with embedded media coverage reaching more than 2 million homes during its first week alone. Local and national outlets have spotlighted South Carolina’s natural beauty and the collaborative conservation efforts of SCDNR and its partners.

South Carolina spans nearly 20 million acres, with more than 3.4 million acres already protected under some form of conservation. With a goal to conserve 10 million acres, SC7 plays a critical role in advancing public awareness of the cultural, ecological, and historical significance of South Carolina’s landscapes. SCDNR supports this mission by bringing expertise, on-the-ground engagement, and educational resources to the expedition—helping to inspire stewardship across all generations.

As mandated by the state constitution, the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources serves as the principal advocate for and steward of South Carolina’s natural resources. Partnering with SC7 aligns with SCDNR’s mission to be a trusted and respected leader in natural resource protection and management, balancing wise decision-making for the benefit of both ecosystems and communities.

As SC7 enters week two, the team continues eastward with stops planned in the Midlands before heading toward the Lowcountry. Participants of all ages are encouraged to join hikes, attend educational forums, and support South Carolina’s environmental legacy.

For more information on SC7 events and how to participate, visit: www.southcarolina7.com

Originally posted by WRHI AM 1340 on July 3, 2025

Lt. Governor Pamela Evette spoke with OTS Media Group’s Manning Kimmel prior to a Town Hall in Rock Hill hosted by America’s Future Trust and the Republican State Leadership Committee.

Click here to listen now!

GREENVILLE, S.C. (FOX Carolina) – South Carolina Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette joined with AFL, a global leader in fiber optic technology, in Greenville to announce the results from its employee-driven charitable campaign to combat childhood hunger in the Upstate.

AFL is an international manufacturer providing end-to-end solutions to the energy, service provider, enterprise, hyperscale and industrial markets.

The company presented a ceremonial check in a total amount of $1,422,000 to United Way of the Piedmont at an event at the Greenville Drive Stadium at Fluor Field.

By Perrin Moore, originally posted June 22, 2025 by ABC News 4

From gleeful celebrations, dutiful deference, and posts laden with American flag emojis to notable silence, continued doubt, and questions over lack of congressional approval, lawmakers from across the Palmetto State are offering their reactions to the US military’s bombing operation in the Middle East late Saturday night.

The strikes enacted under “Operation Midnight Hammer” targeted the Fordo, Isfahan, and Natanz nuclear facilities in Iran, utilizing American B-2 stealth bombers and the GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator, a 30,000-pound bunker-buster bomb, according to U.S. officials.

ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA – JUNE 22: An operational timeline of a strike on Iran is displayed during a news conference with Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Air Force Gen. Dan Caine and U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth at the Pentagon on June 22, 2025 in Arlington, Virginia. U.S. President Donald Trump gave an address to the nation last night after three Iranian nuclear facilities were struck by the U.S. military. (Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)

US Senate

US Senators Lindsey Graham and Tim Scott immediately voiced their support for President Donald Trump in the wake of the attacks. Graham has long offered full-throated support for escalation with Iran, saying that the decision to drop bombs Saturday was “the right call” and that “the regime deserves it.”

Sen. Graham joined Meet the Press Sunday morning and called the operation “bold, brilliant, and effective,” saying President Trump is “the right leader at the right time.” In a later post, Graham said he’s “never been more proud of President Trump.”

Sen. Scott, who was in Charleston Saturday night, labelled Trump’s actions as “decisive American leadership.”

“Americans and the world can thank President Trump for his courage to lead,” Scott concluded.

US House

Rep. Nancy Mace (SC-01) unleashed a predictably enthusiastic flurry of star-spangled posts on her personal X account, with one of her first statements after reposting the President’s message saying “I really hope those bunker buster bombs were paid for using taxpayer dollars originally meant for DEI programs.”

The Lowcountry representative went on to post “USA! USA! USA!” and multiple clips of Fox News coverage of Trump’s 10 p.m. address, calling him the “greatest president in American history” and saying “God Bless the United States of America.”

The congresswoman wrote “Clean up on aisle Tehran” despite the nearest site hit, Fordow, being an almost 80-mile, two-hour drive from the Iranian capital, and “Who wants to bet a federal judge in California orders President Trump tomorrow morning to rebuild Iran’s nuclear program,” which has not happened as of noon Sunday.

On her official congressional X account, Mace thanked the President, saying there was “no greater friend and ally of Israel and the Jewish people” than him, called the attacks “history in the making,” and said that Trump “just reminded Iran and the whole world: THIS is America. Not the weakness we saw the past four years.”

Rep. Russell Fry (SC-07), a Republican, labelled the military action as “Peace through strength and promises kept” on his personal account, while reiterating the common refrain that “Iran CANNOT have a nuclear weapon” on his official account.

Rep. Sheri Biggs (SC-03), a combat veteran, expressed appreciation for the “precision and exceptionalism” of the US military and thanked the President, Rep. Ralph Norman (SC-05)said Trump’s decision was a defense of democracy “around the world,” and Rep. William Timmons (SC-04), a captain in the Air National Guard, said the attacks sent a clear message that “the US will defend our interests and our allies.”

Republican Rep. Joe Wilson (SC-02) said that “enemies of America” insulted President Trump’s efforts in peace negotiations, instead pursuing “apocalyptic delusions.”

“Assad was warned in 2017. The Iranian regime was warned. War criminal Putin has been warned,” Wilson wrote. “President Trump will not hesitate to act when tested.”

Rep. Jim Clyburn (SC-06), a Democrat who was notably silent online in the aftermath of the bombings save a Sunday morning post about the GI Bill, posted a statement on X later calling the President’s unilateral decision to attack without congressional approval “unconstitutional and unwise.”

“This move, a rash sequel to his withdrawal from the nuclear deal, puts our nation, our troops, and innocents at grave risk,” the congressman said. “Trump promised to be a peacemaker and vowed to avoid plunging the U.S. into more wars in the Middle East. This attack is inconsistent with his promise to the American people.”

State level

South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster wrote on X that the attacks ensure “the safety of our nation and our allies like Israel,” and that he stands with American troops.

Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette thanked President Trump for “putting the safety of America and Americans FIRST!” and that the “goal of showing U.S. strength is peace.”

Attorney General Alan Wilson said he was “so proud” of the military and “leadership of President Trump.”

Local officials with military backgrounds like state senators Ed Sutton and Matt Leber differed on their opinions of the operation.

Sen. Sutton, an Air Force pilot and Democrat, decried the money war would cost and the threat to American lives that could follow as “not worth the outcome,” asking “How does bombing Iran benefit US interest?”

“Our own intelligence says Iran does not have a nuclear weapon and they are not close to having a weapon,” Sutton continued. “Iran will retaliate. Americans will be the target. This path was avoidable.”

Sen. Leber, a Republican and former Army paratrooper, wrote that he backed the President. “I, like you, do not have all the details so I am chosing [sic] to back his play and hope and pray for the best outcome,” Leber wrote, accompanied with a meme of a crying, green-haired person saying “Next week’s protests…’Leave Iran’s nukes alone!!!”

A few hours later, Leber called for increased efforts to deport “foreign criminal aliens,” saying that “activist judges must get the hell out of the commander-in-chief’s way.” The senator would go on to repost a post saying “Let this be a warning, Greenland” before posting the exact same message himself with the creative addition of an American flag emoji shown as greater than the Greenland flag emoji.

SC House Reps. Brandon Guffey and Jordan Pace, both Republicans, seemingly questioned the constitutionality of the strikes. “Didn’t think we could do this without congressional approval,” Guffey wrote, later posting his “favorite meme of the night” showing President Trump on the phone with the text “drop the peaceful bombs.”

Rep. Pace posted the single word “Congress” with a screen shot of Article I, Section 8, Clause 11 of the US Constitution, which states:

[The Congress shall have Power…] To declare War, grant Letters of Marque and Reprisal, and make Rules concerning Captures on Land and Water;…

Pace had earlier quipped he was “Hopeful!” after President Trump said Wednesday that Iran wanted to visit him at the White House for negotiations to avoid a war days prior to the bombings.

Rep. Jermaine Johnson, an Upstate Democrat exploring a run for Governor, asked, “#MAGA did you vote for America to bomb Iran?”

State Democratic House Minority Leader Rep. Todd Rutherford (SC-47) and Senate Minority Leader Brad Hutto were mum on Saturday evening’s events, as were the state’s Republican House Majority Leader David Hiott (SC-04) and Senate Majority Leader Shane Massey.

By Julia Johnson, originally published June 18, 2025 by Spectrum News

COLUMBIA, S.C. — Republican officials in South Carolina are celebrating the Supreme Court’s decision on Wednesday to uphold a Tennessee law barring transgender treatments for minors.

“This ruling is a major victory for South Carolina and the entire country. Protecting our children from irreversible gender-transition procedures should not be controversial — it’s common sense,” Gov. Henry McMaster, R-S.C., wrote on X.

Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, R-S.C. echoed this sentiment, writing, “Amen! Protecting our kids and America’s future generations is a non-negotiable.”

The court ruled in favor of Tennessee by a margin of 6-3 in the decision.

Attorney General Alan Wilson shared his satisfaction with the ruling, saying in a statement, “Today’s decision affirms what we’ve long argued that there is no constitutional right to subject children to life-altering, experimental medical interventions.”

The Senate Republican Caucus was similarly pleased, sharing a celebratory press release.

“We knew this issue would ultimately be decided by the Supreme Court, and today’s decision is exactly what we hoped and prayed for,” said Senator Danny Verdin, R-Laurens.  “The facade of so-called ‘gender-affirming care’ is collapsing as Americans begin to see this ideology for what it really is: dangerous.”

Verdin is the Chairman of the Senate Medical Affairs Committee and authored the Senate version of the “Help not Harm” bill prohibiting transgender treatment for minors, which was signed into law by McMaster in May of 2024.

The law was in legal limbo as parties awaited the outcome of Tennessee’s case before the Supreme Court.

McMaster previously led nine other Republican governors in an October amicus brief supporting Tennessee in the United States v. Skrmetti—the case concerning its restrictions on gender-related treatments for transgender minors.

In the court’s opinion authored by Chief Justice John Roberts, he explained, “This case carries with it the weight of fierce scientific and policy debates about the safety, efficacy, and propriety of medical treatments in an evolving field. The voices in these debates raise sincere concerns; the implications for all are profound.”

But, he maintained, the job of the court was solely to determine whether the Equal Protection Clause was violated.

Meanwhile, advocates with the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) voiced their disappointment with the Supreme Court’s decision.

“Today the Supreme Court told Tennessee transgender youth and their families that they cannot access healthcare that is vitally important for a successful life,” said Lucas Cameron-Vaughn, Senior Staff Attorney at the ACLU of Tennessee. “This ruling creates a class of people who politicians believe deserve healthcare, and a class of people who do not. We will continue to stand with transgender people in Tennessee and are committed to realizing a world where all people belong, are valued, and can access the necessary healthcare they need.”

by Tim Renaud, originally posted June 13, 2025 by Count On 2 News

WASHINGTON (WCBD) – Preparations are underway in the nation’s capital for the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army’s grand military parade.

The parade will be attended by dignitaries from around the country, including South Carolina Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette.

Evette will join more than 9,000 soldiers from across the U.S. as they march through the streets of Washington and display some of the military’s equipment.

The parade will feature approximately 130 vehicles, including 28 M1A1 tanks, 28 Bradley fighting vehicles, 28 Stryker armored fighting vehicles, and various other vehicles towing artillery launchers.

There will also be more than 50 helicopters and horses, mules, and army bands. The parade is estimated to cost $45 million.

It gets underway Saturday at 6:30 p.m.

by Summer Huechtker, originally published June 11, 2025 by WCSC Live 5

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) – South Carolina Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette paid a visit to the Lowcountry for a town hall in downtown Charleston.

She joined the America’s Future Trust Social Welfare Organization and the Republican State Leadership Committee at a public town hall at Henry’s On The Market, discussing the future of the country.

Just before the town hall, attendees were able to submit questions to ask Lt. Gov. Evette.

During the discussion, moderated by former Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade Joe Semsar, Evette addressed topics ranging from technology and energy efficiency and her recent meeting with the Department of Government Efficiency.

Evette her goal is to get South Carolina to a zero-state income tax state and she touched on how to do that.

“You don’t have to keep leveraging high taxes and pushing it down your citizens’ throats,” Evetter said. “That’s where we are, and we have to keep going.”

Evette made a point to praise the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office’s recent ICE sting at a nightclub, when asked about ICE raids happening across the country. She also praised law enforcement as a whole in South Carolina, saying they have done a great job with de-escalation in other protests in recent months and years.

Evette discussed the need to continue cracking down on human trafficking and the fentanyl crisis in the state.

Big focus points for her were technology, education and empowering the next generation, mentioning the workforce initiative that she started.

“As I was touring around to businesses that employ youth, I was at ZF Transmissions up in the Upstate,” Evette said. “So I met this young man. Super impressive. He said, ‘Yeah, I was going to go to Clemson, but I love what I do so much, I realized I love being hands-on. So ZF Transmission said to finish up my degree in mechatronics, work for a year, and we will send you to Clemson if you figure out you want to do that.’”

Evette said that was a testament to the growth of workforce training and technical colleges in S.C.

“And I said, ‘What do we do to get all your friends on this train?’” she said. “And he said, ‘Tell us why you need us.’”

Evette encouraged everyone in attendance to empower the youth and wrapped up saying she hopes everyone left with a sense of pride for their state and country.

by Ian Kayanja, originally posted June 9, 2025 by ABC News 4

South Carolina’s Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette plans to visit Charleston on Wednesday to speak at a town hall hosted by America’s Future Trust.

Evette, though not formally announced, has mulled a gubernatorial run, holding town halls throughout the Palmetto State. Wednesday’s event will have Evette answer questions related to America’s Future Trust policy priorities while reserving time for questions submitted by attendees.

The visit to Charleston marks the second visit to one of South Carolina’s coastal communities in less than a week.

On Tuesday, June 3, Evette held a town hall in Myrtle Beach, where she emphasized the importance of expanding school vouchers, eliminating the state income tax, and leveraging artificial intelligence to enhance government efficiency.

During that town hall, the Lieutenant Governor also shared her support for the state to send more support to technical colleges to promote building upon the need for stronger cybersecurity and a blue-collar workforce.

It can be expected that Evette will field similar questions at Wednesday’s event.

Evette and South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster have worked closely with the Trump administration during their tenure. McMaster was sworn in as Governor in 2017 following former Gov. Nikki Haley’s appointment as Ambassador to the United Nations, and Evette was elected Lt. Gov. in November 2018. Both McMaster and Evette were re-elected to four-year terms in 2022.

One of the most recent Republican polls on the state of the would-be 2026 gubernatorial field found that among likely candidates, Evette leads with 31 percent of the vote, according to data from the Trafalgar Group.

Not far behind was Rep. Nancy Mace, claiming 29 percent of would-be voters, who has ramped up her direct attacks on Evette in recent weeks.

Mace is also mulling a run at governor of South Carolina, and recently, the three-term congressmember claimed Evette is an “empty suit” and an outsider from Ohio.

Evette, in turn, has brushed off Mace’s attacks.

No candidate has formally announced their gubernatorial run.

Wednesday’s town hall will begin at 5:45 p.m. and run until 7:15 p.m. Doors for the event open at 5:15 p.m.

It will be held at Henry’s On The Market and moderated by Joe Semsar, the former under secretary of Commerce for International Trade.

Originally posted by the Sumter ITEM on June 7, 2025

by PalmettoPride

COLUMBIA – With the arrival of summer travel and tourism, June presents the perfect opportunity to launch a focused effort to protect South Carolina’s roadsides and natural spaces from litter. Zero Tolerance for Litter is a statewide initiative led by PalmettoPride and the South Carolina Litter Control Association to raise public awareness around the state’s litter laws.

Throughout June, officers from local and state agencies will increase enforcement of litter laws and educate the public about the consequences of littering. By combining enforcement with outreach, the initiative aims to promote cleaner communities and long-term litter prevention across the Palmetto State.

South Carolina is known for its natural beauty and attracts tourists from around the world every year. Tourism is South Carolina’s largest industry and generates an average of $29 billion a year for our state’s economy. The tourism and travel sector has grown by 65% in the past decade. We want visitors to continue returning to South Carolina and contributing to our local and state economies. Simultaneously, we want South Carolinians to continue to capitalize on all the beauty this state has to offer. To ensure this, we must protect our state’s iconic environmental landscapes that set it apart. We urge all South Carolinians to take personal responsibility by making a simple yet impactful choice: Do not litter.

“PalmettoPride is a driving force in the fight to keep South Carolina clean and beautiful,” said Lt. Gov. Pamela S. Evette. “The Zero Tolerance for Litter Campaign sends a clear message that littering and illegal dumping will not be ignored. This effort reminds us that protecting our environment is a shared responsibility, and it starts with each of us choosing to respect our communities and state.”

While PalmettoPride strives year-round to influence behavior around litter through education programs and public awareness campaigns, strong enforcement of litter laws provides a vital legal tool to support our ongoing efforts. Zero Tolerance for Litter targets three key misdemeanor violations: littering, illegal dumping and operating an unsecured load. SC Code of Laws 16-11-700 defines litter as any trash that is improperly thrown on public or private property without permission. Generally, littering refers to the improper disposal of trash below 15 pounds, and illegal dumping refers to the improper disposal of trash above 15 pounds. The maximum penalty for littering includes up to a $100 base fine, eight hours of community service and 30 days of imprisonment. For illegal dumping, the penalties increase significantly, with up to a $1,000 base fine, up to 32 hours of community service and one year of imprisonment.

SC Code of Laws 56-5-4100 and 48-53-10 require vehicles to have properly secured loads with tight coverings to prevent debris from falling onto roadways. Failing to comply can lead to serious environmental, safety and legal consequences. Unsecured loads are a significant source of roadside litter – an estimated 20% of litter along highways comes from items that fall off vehicles. Nationally, debris on roadways contributes to approximately 50,000 preventable accidents, 10,000 injuries and 125 deaths each year. In concurrence with Zero Tolerance for Litter Month, National Secure Your Load Day is annually observed on June 6, placing a national spotlight on the dangers associated with unsecured loads. In South Carolina, the penalties for violating 56-5-4100 and 48-53-10 are $100 and $200, respectively.

PalmettoPride continues to work through every step of the legal system to strengthen the impact of South Carolina’s litter laws and penalties. According to a 2023 study, an overwhelming majority of South Carolina officers and magistrate judges favor a flexible, tiered fine structure for littering infractions, where officers have a better-defined criteria for ticketing and judges have more authority for adjudication. Act 214, which was passed in 2018, updated SC Code of Laws 16-11-700. The law gives courts more flexibility in handling litter cases by making it easier to assign community service for litter pickup without supervision. It also categorizes violations and defines litter more clearly, ensuring penalties match the severity of the offense.

The same 2023 study found littering offenses that reach South Carolina courts obtain a guilty verdict 87% of the time. Still, PalmettoPride regularly provides training to magistrate and municipal court judges to increase awareness of litter laws and to promote the specific assignment of litter-gathering labor as a community service penalty across all offenses, not just littering. Additionally, PalmettoPride works directly with law enforcement agencies and, in 2024, awarded $90,732 in grants to support litter control efforts, funding surveillance equipment, signage, community tarp giveaways and illegal dumpsite cleanups.

PalmettoPride also provides programmatic support for SCLCA, which provides essential training and resources to 48 member agencies.

“This initiative isn’t just about writing tickets. It’s about keeping our roads and communities clean and protecting what makes our state so special,” said Samuel H. Ford, president of South Carolina Litter Control Association. “When law enforcement, local leaders and everyday people work together, we’re making it clear that littering will not be tolerated in our state.”

The Zero Tolerance for Litter campaign’s impact is made possible through our longstanding and numerable enforcement partnerships with the S.C. Governor’s Office, the S.C. General Assembly, the S.C. Judicial Branch, the S.C. Department of Transportation, the S.C. Department of Public Safety, the S.C. Department of Natural Resources, the S.C. Forestry Commission, the S.C. Sheriffs’ Association and affiliate organizations of Keep South Carolina Beautiful.

“Enforcing South Carolina’s litter laws requires strong partnerships at every level,” said PalmettoPride Executive Director Sarah Lyles. “From local law enforcement to state agencies, working together allows us to amplify our efforts, hold offenders accountable and ultimately protect the beauty and integrity of our communities.”