Pamela Evette and Alan Wilson Advance to South Carolina Governor Runoff as Nancy Mace Falls Short

South Carolina Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette emerged as the leading candidate in the Republican primary for governor, securing a place in the June 23 runoff election after no candidate won an outright majority. The contest attracted national attention because it was viewed as a major test of Donald Trump’s influence within the Republican Party.

Trump endorsed Evette late in the race and urged Republican voters to support her campaign. The endorsement helped elevate her standing in a crowded field that included Attorney General Alan Wilson, Representative Nancy Mace, Representative Ralph Norman and businessman Rom Reddy. Evette entered Election Day with strong fundraising numbers and highlighted her record as lieutenant governor and her close ties to outgoing Governor Henry McMaster’s administration.

As results came in, Evette emerged as the top vote-getter but remained below the threshold needed to secure the nomination outright. The outcome positioned her as one of the two finalists in the race to determine the Republican nominee for governor. The June 23 runoff now places Evette at the center of one of the most closely watched Republican contests of the 2026 election cycle.

Alan Wilson Secures Second Spot in High-Stakes Contest

Attorney General Alan Wilson claimed the second runoff position after a competitive primary featuring several prominent Republican candidates. Wilson, who has served as South Carolina’s attorney general since 2011, campaigned on his experience in law enforcement and conservative governance while emphasizing his long record of statewide public service.

The primary remained competitive until vote counting concluded, with multiple candidates battling for a place in the runoff. Wilson’s performance ensured that the Republican nomination will now be decided in a head-to-head contest between two established statewide officeholders. Political observers noted that the runoff is likely to center on experience, conservative credentials and support among the Republican base.

The result also highlighted the significance of South Carolina’s Republican electorate in shaping the future leadership of a state that has consistently favored Republican candidates in statewide elections. The June 23 runoff is expected to draw significant attention from party leaders, donors and national political observers.

Nancy Mace Suffers Defeat and Points to Epstein Files Backlash

Representative Nancy Mace failed to advance to the runoff despite entering the race as one of its most recognizable candidates. Following her defeat, Mace argued that her support for releasing files connected to Jeffrey Epstein generated political backlash that negatively affected her campaign. She maintained that she took positions she believed were principled despite the potential political consequences.

Throughout the campaign, Mace emphasized government transparency, accountability and issues involving abuse allegations. Despite her national profile and years in Congress, she was unable to secure enough support to keep pace with the leading candidates.

Her defeat became one of the biggest stories of the primary election and marked a significant setback for a politician who has frequently been a prominent national figure. The results also underscored the influence of Trump’s endorsement, with Evette benefiting from presidential backing while Mace competed without similar support. The outcome officially ended Mace’s gubernatorial campaign and reshaped the Republican race heading into the runoff.

Democrat Jermaine Johnson Wins Nomination as General Election Nears

While Republicans focused on selecting their runoff contenders, South Carolina Democrats chose State Representative Jermaine Johnson as their nominee for governor. Johnson, a former professional basketball player and state legislator, secured the Democratic nomination and will face the eventual Republican nominee in the general election.

Democrats hope Johnson can broaden the party’s appeal, although South Carolina’s recent political history presents a difficult challenge. The state has not elected a Democrat to statewide office in decades, making the Republican nominee the early favorite for November. Nevertheless, Johnson’s victory provides Democrats with a candidate around whom they can organize their statewide campaign.

Attention now shifts to the Republican runoff between Pamela Evette and Alan Wilson, which will determine who advances to the general election. Political analysts expect the coming weeks to feature intensified campaigning, fundraising efforts and voter outreach as both candidates compete for their party’s nomination in one of the state's most important elections.

Sources

• NBC News
• Politico
• The Guardian