News Summary
Alan Wilson, the four-term Republican attorney general of South Carolina, has officially announced his candidacy for the open gubernatorial race in 2026. Scheduled for a campaign launch event, Wilson positions himself as a key contender, following the term-limited Gov. Henry McMaster. His entry into the race adds to a growing field of Republican candidates, alongside figures like Rep. Nancy Mace and Lt. Gov. Pam Evette. With a history of political support for Trump, Wilson’s campaign is poised to draw significant attention as the election approaches.
Columbia, South Carolina – Alan Wilson, the four-term Republican attorney general of South Carolina, announced his candidacy for the state’s open gubernatorial race in 2026. This decision positions him as a significant contender in the upcoming election, following the term-limited Gov. Henry McMaster.
The official campaign launch event for Wilson is scheduled for Monday, as confirmed by a source familiar with his plans. Invitations for the “Alan Wilson for South Carolina Campaign Rally” were disseminated earlier this week, signaling Wilson’s readiness to mobilize support as the election cycle approaches.
Official filing for candidates in the 2026 South Carolina elections will commence in March, and Wilson’s entry adds to a growing field of potential Republican candidates. Other prominent figures considering a run include Rep. Nancy Mace and Lt. Gov. Pam Evette. All three candidates have previously voiced support for former President Donald Trump, although the influence of Trump in the 2026 race remains to be seen. His popularity in South Carolina has persisted since his primary victory in 2016, and he played a crucial role in helping McMaster win a primary runoff in 2018.
Wilson has demonstrated political support for Trump through various actions, including signing a letter opposing Trump’s impeachment in 2020 and backing him during a trial related to a hush money case in New York. The dynamics of South Carolina’s Republican primaries are often fierce, given the party’s dominance in statewide elected positions, thus setting the stage for competitive nominations as multiple candidates, including Wilson, vie for the governor’s office.
Since his election to attorney general in 2010, Wilson has taken significant legal action against Democratic administrations, actively opposing Biden administration initiatives concerning vaccine mandates and environmental policies. His commitment to law enforcement is also reflected in initiatives aimed at protecting children from exploitation via artificial intelligence and measures allowing state prisons to jam cellphone signals.
Moreover, Wilson gained national attention in 2023 when he prosecuted Alex Murdaugh, who was convicted of murdering his wife and son. The Murdaugh trial captivated public interest, resulting in extensive media coverage and discussions among true-crime enthusiasts.
As he prepares to run for governor, Wilson’s record as attorney general may be a focal point in his campaign. He has faced various challenges, including defending South Carolina’s restrictive six-week abortion law against constitutional scrutiny. Nevertheless, he did recuse himself from a state ethics probe connected to former House Speaker Bobby Harrell, citing conflicts of interest.
Wilson’s political lineage should not be overlooked; he is the son of Rep. Joe Wilson, a long-serving congressman from South Carolina. Outside of his political endeavors, Alan Wilson resides in Lexington, South Carolina, with his wife and two children. He also proudly serves in the Army National Guard, where he holds the rank of colonel, reflecting a long-standing commitment to military service.
As the 2026 election draws closer, Wilson’s campaign efforts will be closely watched, particularly in light of the competitive Republican landscape. With official filing just months away, the race to succeed Gov. McMaster promises to be an engaging and dynamic political contest.
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Additional Resources
- WLTX News
- Wikipedia: South Carolina
- Rocky Mount Telegram
- Google Search: Alan Wilson South Carolina
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Republican Party
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