South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson (R-SC) is the projected winner of the Republican primary runoff for governor [1].
The victory secures the GOP nomination in a high-stakes race to lead the state. Wilson's win establishes him as the presumptive Republican nominee heading into the general election, consolidating party support after a competitive primary battle.
The runoff took place on June 23, 2026 [2]. Wilson defeated Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette (R-SC) to claim the nomination [1]. The race drew significant national attention due to the involvement of former President Donald Trump, whose influence often shapes Republican primary outcomes in the U.S. South.
Reports on the nature of the former president's support varied. Some accounts said that Wilson secured the win following a dual endorsement from Trump [3]. Other reports said that Trump hedged his bet on the race, implying a less definitive alignment with a single candidate [4]. Despite these differing accounts of the endorsement strategy, the projection of Wilson's victory remained consistent across major news outlets.
Wilson has served as the state's top legal officer, a role he leveraged to build his profile during the campaign. His victory marks a transition in leadership for the state's Republican party as it prepares for the final stage of the gubernatorial contest.
As the projected winner, Wilson now shifts his focus toward the general election. He will seek to unify the Republican base, and appeal to a broader electorate in South Carolina, to secure the governor's office.
“Alan Wilson (R-SC) is the projected winner of the Republican primary runoff for governor”
Wilson's victory suggests that his standing as Attorney General and his ability to navigate the complexities of Trump-aligned politics provided a winning coalition. By defeating a sitting lieutenant governor, Wilson has positioned himself as the new face of the South Carolina GOP, though the conflicting reports regarding Trump's endorsement indicate a primary field that remained volatile until the final vote.
