South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson has won the state's gubernatorial race, defeating Democratic state Rep. Jermaine Johnson, according to projections from Decision Desk HQ. The victory extends the GOP's hold on the governor's office, which it has controlled since 2003.
Wilson's Path to Victory
Wilson, who has served as the Palmetto State's top prosecutor since 2011, will succeed term-limited Gov. Henry McMaster. With 84% of the vote counted, Wilson led Johnson by nearly 7 points, capturing about 52% to Johnson's 47%.
The Republican emerged from a crowded primary that included Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette and GOP Reps. Nancy Mace and Ralph Norman. Wilson initially finished second to Evette in the June primary but won the runoff decisively, securing roughly 69% of the vote.
Former President Trump initially backed Evette but later endorsed both candidates ahead of the runoff. Wilson also received support from GOP Sens. Tim Scott of South Carolina and Ted Cruz of Texas.
Campaign Platforms and Key Issues
Wilson campaigned on lowering taxes, cutting government spending, and improving infrastructure. He proposed eliminating the state income tax and conducting audits of state agencies to root out wasteful spending.
Johnson, a state lawmaker from the Columbia area, focused on raising wages, expanding healthcare access, and making housing more affordable. The two clashed over taxes and Medicaid during an October debate, with Wilson opposing Medicaid expansion due to cost concerns and Johnson supporting it.
Historical Context and Implications
Wilson, a colonel in the South Carolina Army National Guard, was first elected attorney general in 2010 and became the longest-serving attorney general in state history. His victory continues a Republican streak in the governor's mansion that began with Mark Sanford in 2003. The last Democrat to hold the office was Jim Hodges, who left in 1999.
This race was part of a broader Republican wave on Tuesday, with similar wins in other states. For instance, Crowley's projected win in Wisconsin and Weiser's projected win in Colorado show the GOP's strength in gubernatorial races. Meanwhile, Democrats flipped Georgia's governor's office, and Hobbs secured a second term in Arizona.
