News Summary
Alan Wilson, South Carolina’s Attorney General, kicked off his campaign for governor in 2026 at Hudson’s Smokehouse. Emphasizing economic reform and universal school choice, Wilson aims to lead South Carolina after Governor Henry McMaster’s term. His campaign launch saw support from various Republican figures, marking the start of a competitive Republican primary. Alongside state Senator Josh Kimbrell, who also announced his candidacy, Wilson’s bid comes as South Carolina prepares for its first open gubernatorial election since 2010, promising a dynamic political landscape.
Lexington County, South Carolina – Alan Wilson, the current Attorney General of South Carolina, officially launched his campaign for the governorship in 2026 during a kickoff event held on June 23, 2025, at Hudson’s Smokehouse. This marks the beginning of his bid to succeed Governor Henry McMaster, who will be term-limited by the time of the next election.
Wilson, who holds the distinction of being the nation’s longest-serving attorney general, emphasized his intention to eliminate income taxes, cut down on wasteful spending across all governmental levels, and enact universal school choice for residents. He described himself as a “battle-tested conservative” and a “proven winner,” aiming to position himself as a strong contender within an upcoming crowded Republican field.
His campaign launch drew significant support from various Republican figures, including state lawmakers, sheriffs, and his father, Congressman Joe Wilson. On the same day, state Senator Josh Kimbrell announced his candidacy for governor, making him the first Republican state senator from the Upstate to enter the race. Together, Wilson and Kimbrell are the first candidates to formally declare their intentions to replace McMaster.
The gubernatorial election in South Carolina is particularly notable as it will be the first open election since 2010, expected to attract a wide array of Republican candidates. Potential additional entrants to the race include Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette and U.S. Congresswoman Nancy Mace. On the Democratic side, no official candidates have emerged yet; however, state Representative Jermaine Johnson has formed an exploratory committee.
In his campaign speech, Wilson called for a leadership style that respects and reflects South Carolina’s values and articulated that this moment marks the beginning of a renewed fight for the state’s future. He highlighted several accomplishments from his tenure as attorney general, which include establishing the state Human Trafficking Task Force, advocating for stronger child protection laws, and challenging the domestic policy initiatives from former President Obama and President Biden.
Wilson’s military background also stands out, with nearly 30 years of service in the Army National Guard, including a combat tour in Iraq. His campaign is expected to focus heavily on economic issues and uphold conservative social values, aiming to resonate with the Republican electorate.
In recent polling conducted by Winthrop University, about 44% of Republican voters indicated they are familiar with Wilson, hinting at a solid base of support as he embarks on his gubernatorial campaign. Kimbrell, on the other hand, has underscored his legislative experience along with his socially conservative viewpoint, adding another layer of competition for the Republican nomination.
As the 2026 gubernatorial election timeline unfolds, the filing period for candidates will open in March 2026, leading up to the primaries scheduled for June. In the last two decades, South Carolina has seen a dominance of Republican candidates in statewide offices, and as the political landscape shifts, the interplay between established politicians like Wilson and new contenders like Kimbrell sets the stage for an intriguing electoral battle.
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Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON WRITER
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexington.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
