AceShowbiz - Thomas Ravenel, a former star of Bravo's "Southern Charm," has announced his intention to run for governor of South Carolina in 2026. Despite a past marred by legal issues and controversial moments, Ravenel seems determined to re-enter the political arena.

In an X post made on Thursday, Ravenel declared his ambitions with characteristic bravado, writing, "I'm running for Governor of South Carolina and none of the lightweights currently in the race are going to stop me. I have a message that's going to change not just South Carolina but the entire country."

This announcement marks Ravenel's fourth attempt to break into significant political office. His first bid came in 2004 when he ran in the Republican primary for a U.S. Senate seat. However, his campaign hit a snag when the Federal Election Commission fined him $19,500 for failing to file spending reports properly.

His second endeavor saw him elected as South Carolina's state treasurer in 2006, but his tenure was short-lived due to a federal cocaine charge in 2007. Ravenel pleaded guilty to "conspiring to buy and distribute less than 100 grams of cocaine" and served 10 months in federal prison.

In 2014, while starring in "Southern Charm," Ravenel attempted to challenge incumbent Republican Senator Lindsey Graham for a Senate seat as an independent candidate. He garnered less than four percent of the vote. That same year, he faced accusations of assault from Lauren Moser, the hairdresser of his ex-girlfriend Kathryn Dennis, although no charges were filed.

Ravenel's legal troubles did not end there. In 2018, he was accused of and later pleaded guilty to third-degree assault and battery connected to an incident involving his children's former nanny. As part of his plea deal, he received a 30-day suspended jail sentence, a $500 fine, and agreed to a payout of $80,000 to the nonprofit organization.

Despite these controversies, Ravenel has remained outspoken about his political views. In 2016, although unable to vote due to his criminal record, he expressed his support for Donald Trump over Hillary Clinton in a Facebook post.

As Ravenel gears up for his 2026 gubernatorial campaign, it will be interesting to see whether his checkered past will deter voters or if his bold messaging will resonate in the current political climate. Regardless, his run promises to be anything but dull.