News Summary
South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson has officially declared his candidacy for the governor’s race in South Carolina’s 2026 elections. Wilson, a four-term attorney general and strong supporter of Donald Trump, will kick off his campaign in West Columbia. His entry comes amidst a competitive field of Republican candidates, including U.S. Representative Nancy Mace and Lieutenant Governor Pam Evette. Wilson’s extensive political and military background, along with his notable legal career, positions him as a formidable contender in the election.
South Carolina – South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson, a prominent Republican leader and four-term holder of his current office, has officially announced his intention to run for governor in the state’s open gubernatorial race in 2026. Wilson’s campaign launch event is set for Monday, June 23, 2025, in his hometown of West Columbia, South Carolina, where he has begun rallying support for his candidacy.
The “Alan Wilson for South Carolina Campaign Rally” is aimed at drawing in supporters ahead of the upcoming elections. Official candidate filing for the 2026 gubernatorial race will commence in March, allowing Wilson to solidify his campaign and officially enter the political contest.
Several other high-profile Republicans are also considering bids for the governorship, including U.S. Representative Nancy Mace and Lieutenant Governor Pam Evette. Each of these potential candidates, along with Wilson, has demonstrated support for former President Donald Trump in past elections, which is expected to play a crucial role in the dynamics of the primary. Trump’s popularity in South Carolina is projected to influence voter preferences significantly during the 2026 election cycle.
As attorney general, Wilson has positioned himself as a staunch ally of Trump, taking firm stances on various issues. In 2020, he was the lead signatory on a letter condemning Trump’s impeachment. More recently, Wilson showed his support by attending a New York trial for Trump regarding a hush money case in 2023. Moreover, he has actively pursued lawsuits against Democratic administrations on issues including vaccine mandates and environmental regulations, reflecting his commitment to conservative values.
Wilson has also addressed social issues, defending South Carolina’s restrictive abortion law in court, which has drawn both support and criticism. Recently, Representative Mace has challenged Wilson’s record on issues of women’s and children’s protection, signaling a competitive atmosphere within the party as the election date approaches.
In addition to his political career, Wilson has an extensive background in military service, having served nearly three decades in the Army National Guard, where he currently holds the rank of colonel. He is also the adopted son of U.S. Representative Joe Wilson and resides in Lexington, South Carolina.
Since first being elected attorney general in 2010, Wilson has gained the reputation as the longest-serving attorney general in U.S. history. His tenure has been marked by significant legal actions, including leading the prosecution in the highly publicized Alex Murdaugh murder trial in 2023, which elevated his profile in state politics.
Polls conducted regarding the Republican primary candidates indicate that Wilson is emerging as a strong contender in the race, which is expected to be highly competitive given the Republican Party’s stronghold in South Carolina. The gubernatorial election is set against a backdrop of heightened stakes as current Governor Henry McMaster is term-limited and unable to seek re-election.
As the campaign officially kicks off, attention will be focused on how Wilson’s extensive record as attorney general, combined with his unwavering support for Trump, will play out in the upcoming race against a roster of formidable Republican opponents and the evolving political landscape in South Carolina.
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