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Thomas Ravenel

Thomas Jonathan Jackson Ravenel is an American former politician, businessman, and reality television personality from Charleston, South Carolina.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Thomas Jonathan Jackson Ravenel is an American former politician, businessman, and reality television personality from Charleston, South Carolina. He is best known for appearing on Bravo’s *Southern Charm* and for serving briefly as South Carolina state treasurer. He also ran for the U.S. Senate in South Carolina in 2004 and 2014.

Early life and education

Ravenel was born in Charleston, South Carolina, and is the youngest of six children. He attended The Citadel and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in 1985.

Business career

In 1992, Ravenel founded Ravenel Development Corporation, a commercial real estate development company. The company later focused on retail projects after he moved operations to Atlanta.

Political career

Ravenel ran for the U.S. Senate in South Carolina in 2004 as a Republican and again in 2014 as an Independent. He also served as South Carolina state treasurer for about six months in 2007.

Reality television

Ravenel became widely known as a cast member on Bravo’s *Southern Charm*, which premiered in 2014. He appeared on the show for five seasons and remained associated with it afterward as a guest.

Key facts

  • He is the son of former U.S. Representative Arthur Ravenel Jr.
  • He attended The Citadel and earned a business degree in 1985.
  • He founded Ravenel Development Corporation in 1992.
  • He served as South Carolina state treasurer for a brief period in 2007.
  • He appeared on *Southern Charm* for five seasons.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Thomas Ravenel?
Thomas Ravenel is an American former politician, businessman, and reality television personality best known for *Southern Charm*.
What is Thomas Ravenel known for on television?
He is best known for appearing on Bravo’s *Southern Charm*, a reality series set in Charleston, South Carolina.
What political office did Thomas Ravenel hold?
He served as South Carolina state treasurer for about six months in 2007.
Did Thomas Ravenel run for the U.S. Senate?
Yes. He ran in South Carolina’s 2004 Republican primary and later as an Independent candidate in the 2014 general election.
What is Thomas Ravenel’s educational background?
He attended The Citadel and earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in 1985.
What company did Thomas Ravenel found?
He founded Ravenel Development Corporation, a commercial real estate development company, in 1992.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Ravenel
    Supports: Birth name, birth date, political career, and *Southern Charm* role.
  2. Bravo — https://www.bravotv.com/people/thomas-ravenel
    Supports: Birthplace, education, and founding of Ravenel Development Corporation.
  3. Us Weekly — https://www.usmagazine.com/celebrities/thomas-ravenel/
    Supports: Summary biography, family background, *Southern Charm* tenure, and children.
  4. Ballotpedia — https://ballotpedia.org/Thomas_Ravenel
    Supports: 2014 U.S. Senate candidacy and election result.
  5. Politico — https://www.politico.com/story/2014/07/thomas-ravenel-drugs-2014-south-carolina-108970
    Supports: Context that he was a public figure on *Southern Charm* during his 2014 Senate run.