South Carolina Gubernatorial Primary Heads to Runoff

In Columbia, S.C., a closely watched gubernatorial primary will advance to a runoff. South Carolina Republicans Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette and Attorney General Alan Wilson did not secure a majority of votes. Both will face off in a runoff election in two weeks, as announced by The Associated Press.

Pamela Evette’s entry into politics took off in 2017 when Governor Henry McMaster chose her as his running mate for the 2018 election. His influence and former President Donald Trump’s endorsement boosted her recognition. Trump declared his full support on Truth Social, emphasizing his confidence in Evette.

However, Trump’s suggestion that Henry D. McMaster Jr., the governor’s son, could join Evette as a running mate stirred controversy. Her opponents criticized the notion as a backroom deal. Both Evette and McMaster Jr. have denied any official arrangement.

Alan Wilson, first elected attorney general in 2010, has served three terms. He holds the rank of Colonel in the Judge Advocate General’s Corps for the South Carolina Army National Guard. His father, Joe Wilson, represents the state’s 2nd District in Congress. Wilson gained attention for his role in the Alex Murdaugh trial. This trial ended with Murdaugh’s conviction for double murder, later overturned due to jury tampering by Colleton County Clerk Becky Hill. The case awaits a retrial.

Evette and Wilson share similar views on policy matters. Neither plans to impose stricter abortion regulations beyond the current six-week legislation. Their platforms advocate for government efficiency through audits and propose eliminating the state’s 5.21% personal income tax, a gradual process so far.

The primary featured five Republican contenders. Evette and Wilson were seen as representing mainstream perspectives. Other candidates from further right included Congresswoman Nancy Mace, Congressman Ralph Norman, and a Lowcountry businessman.

The Democratic race has three candidates: state Rep. Jermaine Johnson from Columbia, Mullins McLeod, a lawyer from Charleston, and Billy Webster, a Greenville businessman.

Record early voting took place in South Carolina over the past two weeks. This period coincided with the state Senate’s rejection of a proposed congressional map. Republicans aimed to turn the 6th District, currently represented by Democrat Jim Clyburn, into a Republican seat. However, concerns about voter disenfranchisement and hasty redistricting contributed to the map’s dismissal.

South Carolina conducts open primaries, allowing voters to choose between Democratic and Republican races. The primary runoff is scheduled for June 23.