News Summary
Alan Wilson, South Carolina’s four-term Republican attorney general, is set to announce his candidacy for the state’s open gubernatorial race in 2026. With a campaign launch scheduled in his hometown, Wilson faces potential competition from notable Republicans including Representative Nancy Mace and Lieutenant Governor Pam Evette. As Wilson prepares to enter the race, his alignment with former President Trump may influence the unfolding GOP primaries, which promise to be competitive given the state’s strong Republican dominance.
South Carolina – Alan Wilson, the four-term Republican attorney general of South Carolina, is gearing up to announce his candidacy for the state’s open gubernatorial race in 2026. Wilson is expected to officially launch his campaign on Monday at an event in his hometown of Lexington, South Carolina. Invitations for the “Alan Wilson for South Carolina Campaign Rally” have been circulated among his supporters in anticipation of the event.
The filing period for candidates in South Carolina’s 2026 elections is set to commence in March 2026. As Wilson prepares to enter the race, other prominent Republicans, including Representative Nancy Mace and Lieutenant Governor Pam Evette, are also considering runs for the governorship. Each of these potential candidates has shown support for former President Donald Trump in past elections, a factor that could play a significant role in the forthcoming primaries.
Trump remains a popular figure in South Carolina, notably after aiding Governor Henry McMaster in securing a primary runoff victory in 2018. Wilson’s alignment with Trump is evident through his actions, including signing a letter opposing impeachment proceedings against the former president and visiting New York to show support during Trump’s trial last year.
South Carolina has a history of strong Republican dominance in statewide positions, which is expected to result in competitive GOP primaries. Wilson has been actively involved in legal actions against Democratic presidents and has defended the state’s restrictive abortion laws. His high-profile prosecutions, including the widely publicized case against Alex Murdaugh, have brought him into the media spotlight and bolstered his profile as a candidate.
In addition to his political career, Wilson has served nearly thirty years in the Army National Guard, currently holding the rank of colonel. He is the son of U.S. Representative Joe Wilson, a long-serving congressman from South Carolina, and resides in Lexington with his family. Wilson has also led initiatives aimed at addressing child exploitation through artificial intelligence and has proposed legislation to allow prisons to jam cellphone signals.
Despite his accomplishments, Wilson has faced criticism from peers, particularly Nancy Mace, who has raised concerns about his track record in protecting women and children from abuse. Mace has been a vocal critic of Wilson, questioning whether he has adequately fulfilled his role as attorney general.
Recent polling positions Wilson as a frontrunner for the GOP gubernatorial nomination, although significant competition is anticipated within the party. The gubernatorial primary race is expected to be contentious, with multiple candidates vying for Trump’s endorsement.
The political landscape in South Carolina has shown consistent Republican preferences, as indicated by the last Democratic gubernatorial nominee who garnered only 40.67% of the vote against a Republican incumbent. As Wilson launches his campaign, he faces the challenge of navigating complex dynamics within the party while appealing to a base that holds strong allegiance to Trump.
As the 2026 gubernatorial election race unfolds, all eyes will be on Wilson and his competitors, with the outcome potentially shaping the future of both South Carolinian and national politics.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- AP News: South Carolina Governor Alan Wilson
- Google Search: Alan Wilson South Carolina Governor 2026
- Ottumwa Courier: Alan Wilson Enters 2026 Governor’s Race
- Google Scholar: Alan Wilson South Carolina
- Post and Courier: South Carolina Governor Alan Wilson
- Encyclopedia Britannica: South Carolina Governance
- Island Packet: Alan Wilson’s Gubernatorial Bid
- Google News: Alan Wilson Gubernatorial Race
Author: STAFF HERE HILTON HEAD
The HERE Hilton Head Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Hilton Head community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Hilton Head Our team includes lifelong Hilton Head residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent listings of historic homes 0 , Hilton Head’s Gullah heritage and coastal culture 6 , and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Technical College of the Lowcountry programs) 10 . Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Hilton Head Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and...
