Republican Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina said he will seek reelection in 2028, reversing a previous pledge that his 2022 campaign would be his final run for office.
Scott disclosed the decision in remarks released Wednesday, confirming his plans as he takes on a more prominent role leading Senate Republican campaign efforts.
“Yes ma’am,” Scott stated when asked if he intends to run again, after clarifying that earlier remarks about a final campaign referred to 2028 rather than 2022.
Scott, 60, had previously committed to applying term limits and serving only two full six-year terms. He reiterated this position in 2019 when he stated a reelection bid would be his last.
The shift is expected to reshape the political landscape in South Carolina, where a potential open Senate seat in 2028 had drawn interest from prospective Republican candidates.
Democratic Party Chair Christale Spain criticized the move, saying it reflected a reversal of a widely reported pledge.
Scott has built a high-profile political career, becoming the first African American to serve in both chambers of Congress and representing South Carolina’s 1st Congressional District before his appointment to the Senate.
He remains a strong political figure in the state, with recent polling showing 62% approval among registered voters and 93% approval among Republicans, the highest among elected federal leaders measured in that survey.
Scott has also played a visible role in national Republican politics, campaigning for Senate candidates in battleground states during the 2024 election cycle and being considered as a potential vice presidential pick before President Donald Trump selected JD Vance.
His decision to seek another term aligns with a longstanding pattern in South Carolina, where extended Senate tenure has historically been associated with greater influence.
