Nikki Haley's Chief of Staff to Head Up Campaign

Tim Pearson, Gov. Nikki Haley's Chief of Staff and one of her most trusted advisors, will be leaving his cabinet position to head up her re-election effort.

Haley spokesman Rob Godfrey said the governor has not officially decided on whether she'll seek re-election and is not likely to do so until after the next legislative session, but at a Town Hall last week in Mauldin she said, "Y'all are stuck with me."

Pearson will make the move on Oct. 15.

Godfrey added, "“(Pearson) is moving over to handle the governor’s political operation in anticipation of a re-election campaign.”

Haley said in a statement, "For the past two years, Tim Pearson's contributions to our Administration and to the taxpayers of South Carolina have been unmatched. Tim has brought a tireless dedication to the job, combined with integrity, intelligence, and good common sense. He has my great personal thanks. While Tim leaves large shoes to fill in the governor's office, fortunately he will not be going far. I look forward to receiving his good counsel in the days and months ahead."

The 30-year-old Pearson was one of the key architects of Haley's upset win in 2010 and will be looking to repeat the effort in 2014.