South Carolina GOP Gubernatorial Runoff: Wilson and Evette Make Final Push

Republican candidates seeking the gubernatorial nomination delivered their final arguments to voters on Monday, marking the conclusion of a highly competitive primary runoff campaign. The standard-bearers executed distinct closing strategies across the state, sharpening their contrasts ahead of the decisive Tuesday vote.

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With the Republican gubernatorial runoff less than a day away, the two candidates seeking their party’s nomination made a final push Monday to court voters and sharpen their closing arguments.

Attorney General Alan Wilson campaigned alongside U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas, highlighting his record in public service and emphasizing themes of public safety, family values, and government transparency. Cruz praised Wilson as a reliable leader, telling supporters the state needs a governor you can count on and one who will stand up for your state.

“I want to see South Carolina continue to grow, continue to excel, and that means you need a governor you can count on that you’re not rolling the dice, you’re not taking a chance, you know he is going to stand up for your state,” Cruz said.

Wilson, in his own remarks, pointed to his work as a prosecutor and his time in office, framing his candidacy as rooted in a commitment to protecting families and serving the public, recalling a near-death experience he had while serving in Iraq.

“Everything I have done, becoming a prosecutor, going after criminals to protect families, just pouring my heart and my guts into public service has been because I’m so grateful to my God for giving me a second chance,” Wilson said.

Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, meanwhile, continued to center her campaign on her experience in the private sector, contrasting her background as a business owner with Wilson’s career in government. Evette argued that voters face a choice between a candidate with experience creating jobs and one who has spent his career in public office.

“I’m a businesswoman,” Evette said, describing herself as someone who has “signed paychecks” and “moved the needle on the economy.” She has also sought to appeal to voters who supported other Republican candidates earlier in the primary, arguing they may be looking for a different perspective in state leadership.

“You know I think the Ralph Norman, the Rom Reddy voters, they were looking for a businessperson, someone that would bring in new different perspective, not that career politician perspective,” she said.

Evette has remained confident despite a number of former primary rivals throwing their support behind Wilson, continuing to argue that her business background offers a contrast she believes resonates with voters seeking change.

The Republican runoff is set for Tuesday, with polls open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The winner of the contest will advance to face Democratic nominee Jermaine Johnson in the November general election.

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Historical Context

The June 23, 2026 runoff became necessary after no single candidate secured more than 50% of the vote during the initial primary election held on June 9, 2026. Notably, both top gubernatorial contenders received endorsements from President Donald Trump during the cycle, fracturing the traditional alignment of national endorsements.

Down-ballot races are also testing party dynamics, including the Republican nomination for attorney general between State Senator Stephen Goldfinch and David Stumbo. Additionally, the Republican primary for South Carolina Commissioner of Agriculture remains undecided, matching Cody Simpson against Danny Ford in a parallel statewide runoff.

FAQs

What are the voting hours for the South Carolina runoff election?

Polls throughout South Carolina are open from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. on Tuesday, June 23, 2026. Any voter standing in line by 7 p.m. is legally entitled to cast a ballot.

Who is eligible to vote in this Republican runoff?

South Carolina voters can cast a ballot in the runoff if they participated in the Republican primary on June 9, 2026, or if they abstained from voting in any party primary during the initial round. Registered voters who participated in a different party’s primary cannot cross over.

Which other statewide races are on the ballot?

Beyond the gubernatorial race, voters will select the Republican nominee for attorney general between Stephen Goldfinch and David Stumbo, as well as the agriculture commissioner nominee in a contest between Cody Simpson and Danny Ford.