South Carolina’s GOP Runoff: Pamela Evette vs. Alan Wilson – June 23 Election

The South Carolina Republican primary, held on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, ended without a majority winner, forcing a runoff between Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette and Attorney General Alan Wilson. The June 23 election will determine the party’s nominee for the governor’s office, a position that will shape the state’s policy direction in the next four years.

Evette, who has served as South Carolina’s lieutenant governor since 2019, secured a late endorsement from former President Donald Trump, a factor that energized her base. Trump’s support was widely cited in Evette’s campaign messages, and she highlighted his endorsement in the post‑primary announcement that declared her first-place finish. Her supporters praised the endorsement as “rocket fuel” that enabled her to reach 36.7% of the vote, enough to advance but short of the 50% threshold required to win outright.

Wilson, a veteran of the state’s political scene, has been Attorney General since 2011. Over his 15+ years in office, he emphasized his experience with law enforcement and his service in the South Carolina National Guard. In his campaign, Wilson highlighted his record of defending law and order, his focus on reducing the tax burden, and his call to “fight for families” across the state. His leadership record earned him a strong voter base that secured 33.5% of the vote on election night.

Other candidates in the crowded field included Representatives Nancy Mace, Ralph Norman, and businessman Rom Reddy—each of whom failed to gain traction. Mace, whose candidacy had sparked debate over her pledge to release Jeffrey Epstein files, concluded that the lack of Trump’s endorsement was a key factor in her fifth-place finish. She endorsed Wilson after conceding, underscoring the importance of unity within the party.

The runoff schedule reflects South Carolina’s top‑two primary rules. According to state law, a candidate must obtain more than 50% of the vote to win outright; otherwise, the two leading candidates proceed to a second election. The June 23 contest will likely see a highly mobilized electorate, as voters decide whether to continue supporting Trump‑backed policy directions or to favor Wilson’s long‑standing legal and fiscal stance.

This election carries significant implications for the state’s upcoming gubernatorial race. South Carolina has historically elected Republican governors, and the nominee will face the Democratic Party’s candidate in the November general election. Given the recent national political climate, the outcome of the runoff could signal broader trends in Southern politics, especially regarding the influence of former President Trump’s endorsements within party primaries.

Campaign observers note that both Evette and Wilson have concentrated on issues that resonate with voters in the heartland of the state: reducing costs, strengthening community safety, and prioritizing taxpayers. The run‑run will be a test of each candidate’s ability to broaden appeal beyond their entrenched bases while maintaining the support of key GOP donors and political figures.

As the state prepares for the final showdown, South Carolinians will evaluate both candidates’ policy platforms and leadership styles. The June 23 runoff will be decisive, offering a clear path for the Republican Party’s future leadership and setting the stage for the state’s gubernatorial race later that year.