Who is Alan Wilson and what is Wilson running on in the 2026 South Carolina Governor race?
Alan Wilson (R) is the heavy favorite in the 2026 South Carolina Governor race, with about a 95% chance of winning, according to Kalshi on Sept 9.
Answer from Mary's digital twin. Checkmark turns Green once she confirms it.
Alan Wilson is the Republican candidate for South Carolina governor. South Carolina Attorney General since 2011; combat veteran; son of U.S. Rep. Joe Wilson; Lexington native. Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2026.
The race
Chance of winning: Kalshi, Sept 9
- The seat: Open seat (Henry McMaster term-limited).
- Rating: Solid R (Cook, Inside Elections).
- Polling: Wilson 50, Johnson 42 (Hart Research (D), Aug 12 to 15, 2026).
Why Wilson is ahead
- South Carolina has not elected a Democratic governor since 1998.
- Wilson is a 15-year statewide officeholder (Attorney General since 2011) who won the GOP runoff 68.6%-31.4%.
- Even Democratic-sponsored polls show Wilson ahead by 8 points; Decision Desk HQ’s model has Wilson at 77%.
- Johnson is running on change and anger over roads, crime and stagnant wages, and the Washington Examiner reported a poll in late August putting the race ‘in play’.
What Wilson is running on
- Taxes. Calls for tax reform and eliminating the state income tax.
- Government transparency. Promises more transparency and audits of state agencies (a focus of running mate Mike Reichenbach).
- Cost of living. Runs on affordability initiatives.
- Crime. Backed by sheriffs and solicitors across the state.
In Wilson’s own words
“She’s not my enemy. Her supporters are not our enemy. They are our kinsmen. They are our fellow citizens.”
The other candidates
Every race
See every Senate and governor race on the ballot, with each candidate’s chance of winning: the 2026 midterms at a glance.
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