Billy Webster

William M. “Billy” Webster IV, a South Carolina native, is running as a Democrat for governor in 2026, having entered the race on March 25, 2026. He advocates for the state to prepare for meaningful growth through investment in human capital and natural beauty. Webster's extensive background includes serving as a White House Fellow during the George H.W. Bush administration, and as Chief of Staff to Governor Richard Riley, continuing with Riley in the U.S. Secretary of Education role. He also served as the director of Scheduling and Advance for the White House until 1995. Earlier, he was president of a Bojangles franchisee. Webster is noted for his bipartisan political donations and fundraising efforts, and emphasizes individual choice, having previously refused to impose vaccine or mask mandates on his employees.