Alan Wilson wins South Carolina GOP gubernatorial primary runoff

South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson is projected to win the Republican gubernatorial primary runoff, setting the stage for a November showdown against Democratic Rep. Jermaine Johnson. The race aims to determine who will succeed current Republican Governor Henry McMaster and continue the party's hold on the governor's office in the traditionally red state.

Wilson secured victory in the runoff election held Tuesday, defeating Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette. The contest proceeded to a runoff after neither candidate achieved over 50% of the vote in the initial primary last month, which featured seven other contenders, including U.S. Representatives Ralph Norman and Nancy Mace.

With a long tenure as Attorney General since 2010, Wilson is the longest-serving AG in South Carolina's history. He initially garnered 26.2% of the vote in the primary, narrowly trailing Evette's 28.9%. Wilson also holds the rank of colonel in the Judge Advocate General's Corps for the South Carolina Army National Guard and is notably associated with his work on the high-profile Alex Murdaugh trial.

Despite an early endorsement for Evette from President Trump in May, who described her as a "good friend, fighter, and WINNER," Trump later issued a dual endorsement for both Wilson and Evette in the runoff. This shift occurred as Wilson gained momentum in the polls. Wilson also received support from Representative Nancy Mace, who endorsed him after conceding her own primary bid. Wilson is widely considered a strong favorite in the general election, as South Carolina has not elected a Democratic governor since 1998. The general election is scheduled for November 3.

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I can't hurt one of them by only endorsing the other, so, therefore, I am going to endorse, for Governor of South Carolina, both Pam Evette and Alan Wilson!