Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina, a known face in Republican politics, revealed his engagement to Mindy Noce, an interior designer residing in Charleston. The proposal took place on Kiawah Island, near Charleston.
The engagement follows over a year of dating, with Scott publicly acknowledging his relationship with Ms. Noce during a Republican presidential primary debate. The couple met at church, and their engagement was confirmed by a spokesman for Scott, Nathan Brand.
The news comes amid heightened political discussions about Senator Scott, who recently endorsed former President Donald J. Trump at a rally in New Hampshire. Speculation about Senator Scott as a potential running mate for Trump in the event of a Republican nomination has intensified.
Senator Scott, who has been a longtime bachelor, had kept his relationship status private, often deflecting questions about his marital status during his presidential run and Senate career. Despite facing inquiries about his single status, Senator Scott emphasized the importance of finding the right partner and frequently mentioned his faith in discussing his personal life.
The engagement was shared with a national audience on "Sunday Night in America," a Fox News program hosted by Trey Gowdy, a former South Carolina congressman and friend of Senator Scott. The engagement was celebrated with a dinner on Kiawah Island, and Ms. Noce was seen wearing her engagement ring at church the following morning.