Josh Kimbrell is a state senator representing South Carolina's 11th District (Spartanburg County), first elected in 2020. He is a former Christian talk radio host and conservative activist. Kimbrell announced his gubernatorial campaign in late June 2025. His platform focuses on eliminating state income tax, expanding school choice, creating an Office of Parental Rights, and reducing regulations. However, his campaign has been overshadowed by multiple lawsuits alleging financial misconduct in his aviation chartering business.
Kimbrell, age 40, worked in aviation and as a Christian talk radio host before entering the state Senate in 2020, defeating longtime Democratic incumbent Glenn Reese. He co-owned Exodus Aircraft with Frank Rogers. His campaign has struggled with low fundraising (less than $6,500 raised as of late 2025) and minimal grassroots enthusiasm, polling in low single digits.