Alan Wilson wins Republican nomination for South Carolina governor

South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson has secured the Republican nomination for governor, defeating Lieutenant Gov. Pamela Evette. The win sets up a general election contest against Rep. Jermaine Johnson in November.

Wilson’s victory came tonight, less than an hour after polls closed. He previously finished second to Lt. Gov. Evette by 3 percentage points in the primary election.

The upcoming November general election presents an uphill battle for Rep. Johnson, as South Carolina has not elected a Democratic governor since 1998.

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During the past two weeks, Wilson garnered support from various Republican figures. This included local U.S. Rep. Ralph Norman, U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace and U.S. Sen. Tim Scott.

Former President Donald Trump also expanded his endorsement to include both Wilson and Evette during this period.

Following his win, Wilson outlined his vision for South Carolina. “We’re gonna eliminate the state income tax, reduce your property taxes, DOGE, eliminate fraud, waste and government abuse, fix our crumbling roads and bridges, lower utility rates, promote a kids-first education agenda, reform our judicial selection process and much, much more! It is coming. You have my word,” said Wilson, the Republican Nominee for Governor.

Lt. Gov. Evette, speaking from her watch party in Myrtle Beach, acknowledged her disappointment with the outcome.

Evette had hoped her lead from the primary night would grow into a victory. She stated that she called Wilson early tonight to congratulate him and pledged her support, asking others to get behind him in the race.

Evette highlighted the stakes of the general election. “In just a few months there will be a general election, and that election will be between conservative principles and a democratic party that wants the exact opposite for SC - and that’s not even a close call,” Evette said. Wilson thanked Evette for entering the race and noted that she and her supporters are “not enemies” but “fellow citizens.”

Wilson will now face State Rep. Johnson in the November general election.