Attorney General Alan Wilson holds a commanding lead in a new straw poll released by the South Carolina Republican Party, capturing 35.1 percent of the vote in the six candidate field for the 2026 GOP gubernatorial primary.
Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette finished second with 20.1 percent, followed by U.S. Rep. Ralph Norman at 18.8 percent and U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace at 14.2 percent. Businessman Rom Reddy received 9.3 percent and state Sen. Josh Kimbrell trailed the field at 2.5 percent.
The results are based on 968 individual votes cast.
Wilson’s 15 point margin over his nearest competitor represents a significant departure from the picture painted by scientific polling. The RealClearPolling average of surveys conducted between October 2025 and March 2026 shows a much tighter race, with Mace leading at 18.5 percent, Evette close behind at 18.3 percent, Wilson at 16.3 percent, Norman at 10.5 percent and Kimbrell at 2.3 percent.
The most recent scientific poll included in the average, conducted by co/efficient from March 26 to March 27, showed Evette leading at 19 percent, followed by Mace at 18 percent, Wilson at 15 percent, Norman at 13 percent and Kimbrell at 1 percent. A Quantus Insights survey from mid March showed Wilson and Mace tied at 22 percent each, with Evette at 16 percent.
The straw poll results differ from traditional scientific polling in important ways. Straw polls reflect the preferences of party activists and engaged members who participate in party events, rather than a random sample of likely primary voters. The results tend to favor candidates with strong organizational support and grassroots enthusiasm.
Still, the results may signal growing momentum for Wilson among the Republican base as the June 9 primary approaches. Mace’s fourth place showing at 14.2 percent is a notable contrast to her position atop the RealClearPolling average, while Norman’s third place finish at 18.8 percent represents a stronger showing than he has posted in any recent scientific survey.
No candidate in the crowded Republican field has yet secured President Donald Trump’s endorsement, which polls have shown could be a decisive factor in the primary. If no candidate receives more than 50 percent of the vote on June 9, a runoff between the top two finishers would take place on June 23.
Sources: South Carolina Republican Party, RealClearPolling
