Alan Wilson advances to Republican primary runoff election for governor in South Carolina
Lt. Gov. Pamela Evettte and Attorney General Alan Wilson will face off later this month in a runoff after receiving the most votes in a crowded race for the Republican nomination for South Carolina’s next governor.
With nearly 85% of counties reporting their totals Tuesday night, June 9, Evette had received 29.3% to Wilson’s 26%. With none of the six active candidates earning a majority of votes, a runoff is necessary.
“In two weeks, we are going to win this runoff election. But that is just the beginning,” Evette said in her victory speech. “We are going to eliminate the income tax. It's your money. It belongs in your pocket, not Columbia's. We are going to slash property taxes because no South Carolinian should ever be taxed out of their home. We are going to pass full, universal school choice to give South Carolina's next generation the best education possible. And we are going to fix our roads.
“We will stop funding woke institutions and end tenure once and for all for radical professors who indoctrinate our kids. And we are going to stand up for conservative voices and conservative values. I have never — and I will never — back down to the woke mob.”
Wilson said he is humbled by the results that put him into the runoff.
“Tonight, South Carolina families sent a clear message: they want a governor who will fight for their families, lower costs, keep communities safe and put taxpayers first. Conservatives said this office must be earned, not arranged,” Wilson said in a statement emailed to media. “… Over the next two weeks, we will continue taking our message directly to voters. As governor, I will eliminate the state income tax, cut property taxes, strengthen law enforcement, fight waste and corruption and put South Carolina families first.”
U.S. Rep. Ralph Norman, of South Carolina’s 5th Congressional District, appears to have come in third with nearly 17% of the vote.
The runoff will be on Tuesday, June 23.