Luke Byars is a prominent leader in South Carolina’s political and government affairs landscape, bringing over 30 years of experience collaborating with the state’s top public policymakers and corporate executives. His extensive background encompasses hundreds of local, state, and federal political and policy campaigns, showcasing his ability to navigate the complexities of the political arena.
Before joining First Tuesday Strategies (FTS) as a Partner in 2011 and later advancing to Senior Partner, Luke served as State Director and Campaign Manager for United States Senator Jim DeMint. His leadership played a pivotal role in shaping campaign strategies at a national level.
In 2019, Luke co-founded Conservatives for Clean Energy South Carolina (CCE-SC) and now serves as a state advisor. He is dedicated to advocating for policies that promote energy competition and choice throughout the Southeast.
Luke’s commitment to conservative energy policy began in 2014 when he was the Southeastern Director for Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions (CRES), where he successfully garnered grassroots support for innovative energy initiatives.
His experience in South Carolina government includes four years as Public Affairs Director for Lieutenant Governor Bob Peeler (1998-2002) and, prior to that, three years as State Taxpayer Rights Advocate and Business Ombudsman for the SC Department of Revenue (1995-1998). During this time, Luke established strong relationships with members of the General Assembly to advance conservative reforms. In 2003, he was appointed Executive Director of the South Carolina Republican Party.
While leading the SCGOP during the 2004 election cycle, Luke’s efforts contributed to an impressive 85% win rate for GOP elections in South Carolina that year.
Throughout his career, Luke has consulted on and managed numerous successful legislative, Congressional, gubernatorial, and presidential campaigns. Notable projects include serving as a consultant for Mitt Romney’s presidential campaign in 2012 and as South Carolina campaign manager for Bob Dole’s 1996 presidential general election campaign. He also held the position of Deputy Director of Voter Programs for the Republican National Committee from 1990 to 1993.
Luke was the general consultant for all of William Timmons’ successful Congressional campaigns in South Carolina’s 4th District. He played a significant role as a senior advisor to U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham during his election campaigns in 2014, 2020, and now for the 2026 election cycle.
In 2020 and 2024, Luke served as a chief strategist for the South Carolina Senate Republican Caucus independent expenditure campaign, which successfully unseated seven incumbent Democratic state senators. In 2022, he was a senior advisor to State Rep. Russell Fry’s campaign for Congress, which resulted in the defeat of a five-term incumbent U.S. Congressman. Additionally, he was a chief strategist in the highly competitive campaigns that elected South Carolina Superintendent of Education Ellen Weaver.
Recognized as a seasoned professional and team player, Luke Byars is known for his ability to build winning campaigns and foster collaborative success.
Residing in Lexington, SC, with his wife Drea, Luke enjoys family life with their grown children and a new baby granddaughter.
University of South Carolina, BA (1989)
Advisory Board, River Bluff High School Law and Global Policy Development Center
Carolina Haven (2011-present)
Lexington County Girls Soccer Association Head Coach
Corpus Christi Catholic Church, Lexington, SC
