2026 Governor’s Race: Who Will Carry the GOP’s Agenda?
With the 2024 elections behind us, political speculation in South Carolina is already shifting to the 2026 midterms. Governor Henry McMaster, term-limited after nearly a decade in office, will leave a vacancy at the top of the state’s Republican-dominated political hierarchy. Several prominent Republicans are rumored to be positioning themselves for a run. Here’s a breakdown of the potential Republican candidates, their records, and why Democrats should pay attention:
Rep. Nancy Mace
Rep. Nancy Mace, fresh off her re-election in South Carolina’s First Congressional District, is widely seen as a top contender. Mace initially built her political career branding herself as a “moderate Republican,” with soft-spoken nods to centrist positions on abortion and LGBTQ+ rights during her 2020 campaign. This veneer of moderation helped her unseat Democrat Joe Cunningham in a district Democrats had briefly flipped in 2018.
However, her record since then tells a different story. Mace has embraced far-right rhetoric, frequently pandering to reactionary sentiments. She infamously voted against Kevin McCarthy’s speakership, an attention-grabbing move that underscored her desire to court MAGA-style populism. On social issues, she has waged a relentless campaign targeting transgender rights, tweeting hundreds of inflammatory posts about bathroom usage and gender identity.
Her last attempt at statewide office—a primary challenge against Senator Lindsey Graham in 2014—ended in failure. While she hasn’t officially declared her candidacy for governor, her statewide curiosity is clear.
Lt. Governor Pamela Evette
Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette, McMaster’s second-in-command since 2018, could also enter the race. Evette’s resume includes founding Quality Business Solutions Inc. and serving on South Carolina’s Small Business Regulatory Review Committee, which gave her credibility among business conservatives.
During her tenure as lieutenant governor, Evette has largely avoided controversy, focusing on feel-good initiatives like environmental cleanup and floodwater management. While these efforts appear benign, her alignment with McMaster’s policies suggests she is unlikely to bring meaningful change to issues like education.
Attorney General Alan Wilson
Attorney General Alan Wilson, now serving his fourth term, is another likely contender. The son of U.S. Rep. Joe Wilson, Alan Wilson has built his political career on opposing progressive policies at every turn. From challenging the Affordable Care Act to fighting abortion access and LGBTQ+ rights, Wilson has positioned himself as a relentless advocate for a hardline conservative agenda.
Wilson has also taken a leading role in litigating against the Biden administration on issues like immigration policy and student loan forgiveness. While his supporters frame these efforts as defending South Carolina’s sovereignty, they represent an ongoing attempt to block federal policies aimed at expanding equity and opportunity for all South Carolinians.
Rep. Ralph Norman
Ralph Norman, representing South Carolina’s Fifth Congressional District, is well-known for his extreme views and incendiary rhetoric. Norman advocated for martial law in the aftermath of the 2020 election, attempting to block the certification of President Joe Biden’s victory. He also voted against awarding the Capitol Police the Congressional Gold Medal following the January 6 insurrection—a stark reminder of his loyalty to Trump-era authoritarianism.
Norman’s staunch support for gun rights and his opposition to the Affordable Care Act reflect his unwavering commitment to a far-right agenda. While Norman hasn’t commented on his plans, his history of courting controversy suggests he may see the governor’s race as another platform for his inflammatory politics.
Former State Rep. Adam Morgan
Adam Morgan, a former state representative and chair of the South Carolina Freedom Caucus, could also make a bid. Morgan’s recent challenge against Rep. William Timmons in the Fourth Congressional District primary—where he lost by just three points—demonstrated his appeal among far-right voters.
Morgan’s platform includes defunding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, dismantling vaccine mandates, and abolishing the Department of Education. During his time in the state legislature, he consistently voted for extreme anti-abortion laws and rolled back ethics standards.
What’s at Stake for South Carolina?
While none of these Republicans have formally announced their campaigns, their records and ambitions point to a critical 2026 gubernatorial race. Each potential candidate represents a continuation—or escalation—of the regressive policies that have long plagued South Carolina: attacks on reproductive rights, LGBTQ+ protections, public education, and healthcare access. For Democrats, the challenge is clear: mobilize early and offer a compelling alternative vision for South Carolina’s future.