South Carolina’s Republican gubernatorial primary has set up a runoff between Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette, who secured a key endorsement from former President Donald Trump, and State Attorney General Alan Wilson, according to official results released by the South Carolina Secretary of State’s office.
Evette, a former state senator, and Wilson, a former vice-chair of the Republican Attorneys General Association (RAGA), advanced past U.S. Representatives Nancy Mace and Ralph Norman, who failed to secure enough votes to move forward. Mace, a prominent figure in the MAGA movement, had previously opposed Trump by supporting the release of the Jeffrey Epstein investigation files.
What Led to the Runoff?
The runoff, scheduled for June 11, follows a primary that saw intense competition among Republican candidates. Wilson, who played a central role in the RAGA’s fundraising efforts ahead of the 2020 election, faced scrutiny for his association with groups that encouraged protests at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. A 2021 report by The New York Times detailed how RAGA’s fundraising networks urged “patriots” to participate in the events leading up to the Capitol breach.
Wilson also gained national attention for his role in prosecuting Alex Murdaugh, a South Carolina attorney accused of murdering his wife and son. A South Carolina Supreme Court ruling in March 2024 overturned Murdaugh’s conviction, citing procedural errors, according to Wral.com.
Who Are the Leading Candidates?
Evette, a longtime conservative voice in South Carolina politics, has positioned herself as a Trump ally, emphasizing fiscal conservatism and law-and-order policies. Wilson, meanwhile, has leveraged his legal background and national profile to appeal to voters concerned about election integrity and judicial reforms.
On the Democratic side, state Representative Jermaine Johnson, a former professional basketball player, won the primary with 52% of the vote, defeating William Mullins McLeod Jr. and Billy Webster, a former Clinton administration official. Johnson’s campaign focused on economic development and education reform, according to South Carolina Government.
What’s Next for the Race?
The runoff will determine the Republican nominee for governor, with the winner facing Johnson in the November general election. Analysts note that the race could shape the state’s political landscape, particularly as South Carolina remains a key battleground in national elections. “This contest reflects broader tensions within the GOP over Trump’s influence and the party’s direction,” said Politico contributor Michael Goldfarb.
For Democrats, Johnson’s victory underscores the party’s strategy to capitalize on grassroots organizing and candidate appeal in a historically Republican-leaning state.
The outcome of the runoff could have implications for statewide policies on education, healthcare, and voter access, with both parties framing the race as a critical test of their agendas.