Wilson Sweeps South Carolina Runoff, Positions Himself for November Governorship

South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson defeated Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette in the state’s gubernatorial runoff election on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, securing his position as the overwhelming favorite to become South Carolina’s next governor in November.

With approximately 19% of votes counted, Wilson garnered 59.2% of the vote compared to Evette’s 40.8%. The result was called by Decision Desk HQ and other analysts about a half-hour after polls closed.

Wilson advanced to the runoff following his second-place finish in the June 9 primary, while Evette led the field but fell short of achieving a majority threshold to avoid a second round.

The late endorsement from President Donald Trump, who initially supported Evette before switching to Wilson, came just days before the runoff. Trump told Republican voters they “can’t go wrong” with either candidate.

Wilson, a four-term attorney general, entered the race with momentum after multiple polls indicated a significant lead over Evette. He campaigned on his record as South Carolina’s top prosecutor and his alignment with the Trump movement.

Evette, who had the backing of term-limited Governor Henry McMaster and initially secured Trump’s sole endorsement before the primary, positioned herself as the candidate to continue existing policies.

Wilson will now face Democrat Jermaine Johnson in the November general election. Republicans have dominated statewide elections in South Carolina for decades, making Wilson the early favorite to succeed McMaster.