Sen. Tim Scott made history this week, and he’s put an end date on his time in Washington.
The South Carolina Republican became the first black senator elecated from the South since Reconstruction when he was sworn in Tuesday, and state officials were hoping he would run for governor in 2018.
But Scott made it clear that he doesn’t intend on being a lifelong politician. The senator told reporters during a conference call Tuesday that he hopes to be re-elected to two full-six year terms after finishing his partial term. He then plans to leave Washington.
“I have no actual desire to run for governor as far as I can see. 2018 is not in my sights, whatsoever,” he said, according to the Post and Courier.
Scott was elected last month to finish out the final two years of former Sen. Jim DeMint’s term after being appointed by Gov. Nikki Haley in 2013.
He beat Democrat Joyce Dickerson for the seat, 61 to 37 percent, according to official election results.
