Despite a year to go before election day, campaigns for the role of Governor of South Carolina have begun. The 2026 race is expected to be a highly competitive election cycle, with many well-known figures from the state entering the race early in their efforts to secure either the Republican or Democratic party’s nomination. A lack of an endorsement from President Donald J. Trump has made the GOP nomination all the more contested, as there is no support from the Executive branch for any candidate.
Currently, five candidates are eyeing the nomination from the Republican Party, including sitting Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette. Evette is the first female Lt. Governor of the state and has received previous support from many major members of the GOP. In a video posted to X on July 14, 2025, Lt. Governor Evette officially announced her campaign for Governor of South Carolina, including statements from sitting Governor Henry McMaster saying “…she has exactly what it takes to be an effective leader.”, as well as a clip of President Trump saying “[South Carolina’s] Lieutenant Governor is going places, you do know that, right?”. In an early poll done by Winthrop University, Evette was tied with Congresswoman Nancy Mace from South Carolina’s 1st congressional district among registered Republican voters.
Representative Ralph Norman of SC-05 announced his campaign on July 27, 2025. Key issues that Norman cited in his speech included term limits for elected officials, fixing South Carolina roads, as well as speaking out against Republicans In Name Only (RINOs). Ralph Norman has been a vocal opponent of long-serving career politicians despite serving in South Carolina politics for over two decades.
Attorney General Alan Wilson has also announced his candidacy for Governor, holding a press conference on June 13, 2025. Wilson leaned into his track record as a veteran, assistant solicitor, and attorney general, as well as being “Trump Tough”. Wilson is tied for second in current polling alongside Rep. Norman.
State Senator Josh Kimbrell launched his bid for the seat on June 28. He chose this day for the symbolism, due to it being the day that the Battle of Sullivan’s Island was won by the Americans in 1776, marking a turning point in the Revolutionary War. “South Carolina stood for freedom when no other state did,” Kimbrell said, before speaking on his legislative record since his first election to the state Senate in 2020. Kimbrell has fought for the abolition of the state income tax in the state Senate for years and intends to continue the fight if elected Governor.
(Representative Mace speaks to supporters at her campaign kickoff event)
Representative Mace is the most recent candidate to announce a Gubernatorial run, doing so on August 24, 2025, at an event at The Citadel, Mace’s alma mater. “I am running for Governor because South Carolina does not need another empty suit,” Mace said to her supporters. She continued, “It needs a governor who will fight for you and your values.” Mace committed big in her promises at the event. She plans to drop the state income tax to 0% in five years, citing 4% annual cuts to the budget of every state agency as the way to do so. She also plans to cap the general fund at 11.6 billion dollars.
