Create a free profile to get unlimited access to exclusive videos, sweepstakes, and more!
Thomas Ravenel Reveals His Plans for Senate Run
The 'Southern Charm' star is eyeing a state seat as an Independent.
Southern Charm star Thomas Ravenel has his sights set on a brand-new gig: the U.S. Senate. He confirmed (via Mother Jones) that he is running as an independent for a seat in the South Carolina state senate.
Ravenel is no stranger to politics. He once served as South Carolina's State Treasurer. However, in 2007, he resigned after being arrested for cocaine possession and later served time in prison.
"I'm an imperfect messenger, I know that – but somebody's got to stand up for the message," Ravenel said in a statement about his bid for the senate seat. "Also, the last time I checked there are plenty of 'perfect' messengers out there who are bankrupting our Treasury, destroying our economy, and sending our sons and daughters off to die and be disfigured in places we have no business fighting."
He will face off against Republican Lindsey Graham and Democrat Brad Hutto. Graham currently holds the seat. Ravenel needs 10,000 signatures to appear on the ballot this November.
He added in his statement, "Government doesn't belong in your boardroom, your bedroom or your email inbox. But its presence in every aspect of our lives continues to grow. Democrats keep dictating choices in our marketplaces and Republicans keep telling us who we can and cannot love. And both parties want to keep spending like there's no tomorrow while they spy on us to make sure we don't step out of line. All of this leads to less prosperity and liberty – and more dependency and fear."
Back in April, Thomas, who shocked the world when he revealed he had a baby with co-star Kathryn C. Dennis, opened up about his intentions to run again even though he became a father.
"I absolutely want to run again," he said. "I want it all. Sometimes you can't have it all, but I want it all."
In fact, Thomas believes his status as a dad only makes him more likable as a candidate. "A friend of mine told me, 'I can't vote for you because you don't have kids. You won't know about responsibility until you have kids,'" Thomas recalls. "And now I know exactly what he was talking about."
