Rep. James Smith Announces His Bid for Governor

Richland Democrat Rep. James Smith formally kicked off his gubernatorial campaign Tuesday in downtown Columbia.

Smith, 50, is a Columbia native who has served in the South Carolina House of Representatives since 1997.

Smith is running against Charleston businessman Phil Noble in the June 12 Democratic primary.

Republicans meanwhile have four candidates vying to become the party's nominee. Incumbent Gov. Henry McMaster, Lt. Gov. Kevin Bryant, former S.C. Dept. of Health and Environmental Control Director Catherine Templeton and former S.C. Sen. Yancey McGill have all started raising money for their bids.