June 24, 2025

Candidates Emerge for South Carolina Gubernatorial Race

News Summary

South Carolina State Senator Josh Kimbrell and Attorney General Alan Wilson have announced their candidacies for the 2026 gubernatorial race, marking the beginning of a competitive Republican primary. Kimbrell plans to host events to outline his vision, focusing on tax elimination and immigration enforcement, while Wilson emphasizes government transparency and fiscal responsibility. Both candidates face potential challengers as they prepare for the June 2026 primary, aiming to solidify their campaigns and connect with voters despite the state’s Republican leaning.

Spartanburg, South Carolina

South Carolina State Senator Josh Kimbrell and Attorney General Alan Wilson have both declared their candidacies for the upcoming gubernatorial race in 2026. Their announcements, made on June 23, 2025, signal the start of what is expected to be a competitive primary among Republican candidates.

Kimbrell, representing District 11 in Spartanburg, is set to host a “Carolina Day Celebration” on June 28, 2025, where he will outline his vision for the state. Among his campaign priorities are the elimination of the state income tax, expanded immigration enforcement, and the implementation of universal school choice.

Alan Wilson, who has served as South Carolina’s attorney general since 2010, is also emphasizing his commitment to conservative values in his bid for governor. His campaign focuses on eliminating wasteful spending and promoting government transparency, inspired by past initiatives like the Department of Government Efficiency. Like Kimbrell, Wilson highlights his experience in handling key issues such as immigration and abortion, and he has been actively engaged in legal challenges against policies from the Biden administration.

Challengers and Campaign Landscape

Both candidates are expected to face stiff competition in the Republican primary, which is scheduled for June 2026. Potential challengers include U.S. Representative Nancy Mace, Lieutenant Governor Pam Evette, and Representative Ralph Norman. The candidate filing period for the primary will open in March 2026.

Kimbrell has established himself as a significant figure in state politics, having previously ousted a long-serving Democrat incumbent in his district. Known for his support of socially conservative policies, he has frequently advocated for measures against LGBTQ+ rights and restrictions on abortion access during his tenure in the state Senate.

Wilson shares a robust Republican profile, being the adopted son of U.S. Representative Joe Wilson and having spent nearly three decades in the Army National Guard. His involvement in legal battles against federal policies has aligned him closely with former President Donald Trump, solidifying his position in South Carolina’s Republican base.

Political Context

South Carolina has not seen a Democrat win a statewide office since 2006, reinforcing the state’s Republican dominance. Voter support for both Kimbrell and Wilson is likely influenced by their established presence within the Republican Party and their familiarity to voters. This gubernatorial race is poised to be significant as it marks the first election for governor without an incumbent since Henry McMaster’s initial run in 2010.

Interestingly, neither Kimbrell nor Wilson is currently at risk of losing their positions. Kimbrell’s next election to the State Senate is not scheduled until 2028, while Wilson completes his fourth term as attorney general. As the gubernatorial race heats up, the candidates will focus on solidifying their platforms and appealing to voters throughout South Carolina.

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Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE SPARTANBURG

The SPARTANBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESpartanburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Spartanburg, Spartanburg 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 the Spartanburg International Festival, Spartanburg ArtWalk, and motorsport events at Spartanburg Speedway. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Spartanburg Area Chamber of Commerce and the Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System Foundation, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and textiles that power the local economy such as BMW Manufacturing and Milliken & Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.

STAFF HERE SPARTANBURG

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