Wilson clinches SC GOP governor nomination in decisive runoff

Alan Wilson won South Carolina’s Republican runoff for governor, defeating Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette 218,321 to 100,123 votes and advancing to face Democrat Jermaine Johnson in the general election. The race featured late Trump endorsement dynamics (a dual endorsement with Wilson after initially backing Evette) and strong backing from Tim Scott, while Evette built support in Myrtle Beach but fell short overall. Wilson ran a steady campaign with running mate Mike Reichenbach and emphasized affordability, safety, and government accountability, while Evette highlighted outside business experience and regional support. Significantly, the contest surfaced issues like road conditions, crime, and a 2023 pay raise controversy surrounding Wilson.)