Wilson takes South Carolina governor's mansion from Johnson

South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson defeated State Rep. Jermaine Johnson in the 2026 gubernatorial race. The Associated Press projected the result for Wilson at 12:35 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 4. At that moment, Wilson had captured 51.6% of the reported votes. Johnson trailed with 47.1% of the total.

The seat was open because incumbent Governor Henry McMaster reached the term limit and could not seek reelection. Voters cast ballots in the general election on Tuesday, Nov. 3. The winner will hold office for a four-year term starting in January 2027. This outcome keeps the governor's mansion under Republican control, a streak that has lasted since 2003.

Wilson has served as state attorney general since 2011. He earned the Republican nomination after a two-step primary process. He first advanced to a runoff on June 23, 2026, against Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette. That contest followed the initial primary held on June 9, 2026. Wilson won the runoff to become the party's standard-bearer for the top executive post.

Johnson represents Kershaw and Richland counties in the state House. He announced his bid for governor on Oct. 28, 2025. He secured the Democratic nomination on June 9, 2026. His campaign faced the state's leading Republican candidate in the final general election contest.

The governor's race was one of several key contests decided on Tuesday. South Carolina residents also voted to select a new U.S. Senator. That race pits Republican Sen. Darline Graham against Dr. Annie Andrews. Graham is the sister of the late Sen. Lindsey Graham. Voters also chose candidates for various local offices across the state.