What to know about SC's 5 GOP candidates for governor

The articles discuss the backgrounds and strategies of the GOP candidates in the South Carolina governor's race. Candidates include Pamela Evette, Josh Kimbrell, Nancy Mace, Ralph Norman and Alan Wilson, each bringing different experiences and support bases.

Ralph Norman enters the race with a reputation of fiscal conservatism and business acumen. Known for his work in the U.S. House Freedom Caucus, Norman hopes his principles and business experience will appeal to South Carolina voters. Pamela Evette, the current Lieutenant Governor, emphasizes her partnership with Governor Henry McMaster. She leverages her role in state government and her business background as strengths. Nancy Mace highlights her national profile and strong media presence. With prior experience in the State House and U.S. House, she views the governor's office as her next step in leadership. Alan Wilson, South Carolina's attorney general, focuses on his legal experience and conservative principles. He aims to transition his current statewide role to the governor's office. Josh Kimbrell, a state senator, promotes his conservative legislation record and connections to the Upstate. He leverages his prior media experience to connect with voters.

Read the stories below

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Senator Josh Kimbrell, R-Spartanburg, introduces Florida Governor Ron DeSantis speaks at the South Carolina State House on Tuesday, January 16, 2024. By Joshua Boucher

NO. 1: UPSTATE SC SEN. JOSH KIMBRELL LAUNCHES BID FOR GOVERNOR. 5 THINGS TO KNOW

Kimbrell was elected to the state Senate in 2020 ousting Democratic incumbent Glenn Reese. Kimbrell, 40, served as the Spartanburg County GOP chairman in 2017 and 2018. | Published June 23, 2025 | Read Full Story by Joseph Bustos

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Alan Wilson, accompanied by his family, announced he is running for Governor of South Carolina on Monday, June 24, 2025. The announcement was made at Hudson’s Smokehouse in Lexington. By Tracy Glantz

NO. 2: SC ATTORNEY GENERAL ALAN WILSON KICKS OFF BID FOR GOVERNOR. 5 THINGS TO KNOW

Wilson is the Republican attorney general first elected in 2010. His adoptive father is U.S. Rep. Joe Wilson. Joe Wilson adopted Alan Wilson when he was four years old. | Published June 23, 2025 | Read Full Story by Joseph Bustos

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Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette announces her bid for the Republican nomination for South Carolina Governor at The Smokestack at Judson Mill on Monday, July 14, 2025. By Joshua Boucher

NO. 3: LT. GOV. PAMELA EVETTE JOINS RACE FOR SOUTH CAROLINA GOVERNOR. 5 THINGS TO KNOW

Evette became South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster’s lieutenant governor/running mate in 2018. | Published July 14, 2025 | Read Full Story by Joseph Bustos

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U.S. Congressman Ralph Norman celebrates alongside his wife Elaine Norman and members of his family Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2024 at the Magnolia Room in Rock Hill, S.C. By Tracy Kimball

NO. 4: SC CONGRESSMAN RALPH NORMAN ENTERS RACE FOR GOVERNOR. HERE ARE 5 THINGS TO KNOW

The Republican U.S. representative from Rock Hill was first elected to Congress in 2017. | Published July 25, 2025 | Read Full Story by Joseph Bustos

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U.S. Congresswoman Nancy Mace, a Republican who represents the Charleston area, made her formal announcement she was running for governor of South Carolina on Monday, August 4, 2026 at The Citadel in Charleston, S.C. By Tracy Glantz

NO. 5: CONGRESSWOMAN NANCY MACE LAUNCHES BID FOR SC GOVERNOR. 5 THINGS TO KNOW

U.S. | Published August 4, 2025 | Read Full Story by Joseph Bustos

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.