Beach Mansion Battle Sparks Run for Governor

Rom Reddy fought the state to protect his beachfront mansion from what he calls “government overreach.” Now he wants to become governor of South Carolina. Reddy, a wealthy homeowner, pushed back against regulations that limited his ability to fortify his property against erosion. The legal battle lasted years and cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. “That fight woke me up,” Reddy said. He described the experience as a political awakening. It showed him, he said, how the state can overstep its authority. His campaign is still in its early stages. He has not yet filed official paperwork with state elections officials. But he has started speaking at local Republican events and testing his message with voters. Reddy’s story has drawn attention in coastal communities where property owners often clash with environmental rules. His supporters see him as a defender of private property rights. Critics call his mansion project a threat to public beaches. The candidate faces a steep climb. South Carolina’s Republican primary is crowded. Incumbent Governor Henry McMaster has strong party backing and a sizable campaign fund. Still, Reddy believes his outsider status is an asset. “I am not a politician,” he said. “I am a citizen who fought back.”