LEXINGTON, S.C. — South Carolina’s four-term Republican attorney general, Alan Wilson, recently announced his candidacy for the state’s upcoming open gubernatorial race, the first such race in 16 years. This race is expected to spark intense competition within the GOP, particularly as candidates vie for former President Donald Trump’s endorsement.
The stage for Wilson’s campaign launch was Hudson’s Smokehouse in Lexington, his hometown, a venue that has become a traditional stop for both presidential and statewide candidates. At the event, Wilson was accompanied by his family, including his father, veteran South Carolina Representative Joe Wilson. The attorney general, visibly moved at times, expressed gratitude to his supporters and reaffirmed his promise to provide leadership that is both experienced and aligns with conservative ideologies.
In a comprehensive interview preceding the official announcement, Wilson shared his campaign vision, which encompasses education reform, economic growth, and reducing unnecessary government expenditures. Drawing inspiration from Trump’s governmental reforms, Wilson aims to introduce greater transparency and accountability across all tiers of South Carolina’s government structures.
Although the official registration for the 2026 elections is set for March, the gubernatorial race is already gaining momentum. Prospective Republican candidates include State Senator Josh Kimbrell, Lt. Gov. Pam Evette, and Rep. Nancy Mace, all seeking Trump’s influential endorsement. While Kimbrell initially supported Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, he has since aligned himself with Trump. The former President’s influence remains strong in the state since his decisive South Carolina GOP primary victory in 2016, which paved his way as the presidential nominee. Trump previously aided Gov. Henry McMaster in securing a primary runoff victory, ultimately leading him to become South Carolina’s longest-serving governor.
Wilson’s interaction with Trump has been significant; he last conversed with the former president at a Mar-a-Lago event in December, expressing an intent to pursue Trump’s backing. As the state’s chief prosecutor, Wilson has often politically aligned with Trump, notably during the 2020 impeachment proceedings and following Trump’s legal battles, including those regarding a hush money trial in New York.
In South Carolina, Republican domination is prevalent across statewide positions, making intraparty primaries particularly competitive. With McMaster unable to seek another term, the upcoming gubernatorial race promises to be fiercely contested. Wilson’s tenure as attorney general has seen him actively involved in numerous lawsuits against Democratic administrations, addressing issues like vaccine mandates and environmental regulations. His leadership roles also extend nationally, where he has been a leading figure in the Republican Attorneys General Association and has orchestrated significant efforts against child exploitation through artificial intelligence.
In 2023, Wilson gained widespread attention for his role in prosecuting Alex Murdaugh, a disgraced attorney sentenced for the murders of his wife and son. The high-profile case captivated audiences and thrust Wilson into the national spotlight. Discussing the influence of the case on his gubernatorial ambitions, Wilson emphasized his visible role during the trial and expressed confidence in his performance amidst intense scrutiny—qualities he deems essential for the role of governor.
Residing in Lexington with his family, Wilson’s career spans several decades, including nearly 30 years with the Army National Guard, where he holds the rank of colonel. Elected as attorney general in 2010, he continues to be a pivotal figure in South Carolina’s political landscape.