S.C. Survey Scandal: Pamela Evette Paid Pollster Who Put Her Atop 2026 Field

Radically transparent? Or an attempt to deceive the public?

Mar. 29, 2026 at 4:06am

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A recent poll conducted by the Kansas City-based Co/efficient firm showed South Carolina Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette narrowly leading the race for governor of the Palmetto State. However, campaign finance records reveal that Evette's campaign made multiple payments to Co/efficient just days before the poll's release, raising questions about the poll's independence and transparency.

Why it matters

This story highlights concerns about the integrity of political polling and the potential for conflicts of interest between candidates and the firms conducting surveys. It raises questions about the influence of money in politics and the need for greater transparency in the electoral process.

The details

The Co/efficient poll claimed to be 'not sponsored by any candidate or candidate's committee,' but campaign finance records show that Evette's campaign paid the firm tens of thousands of dollars in the days leading up to the poll's release. The payments were listed as being for 'text messaging,' with no mention of polling. Evette's campaign has also not released any polling data from its stated pollster of record, Fabrizio Lee & Associates.

  • On September 21, 2025, Co/efficient released a poll showing Evette surging against her main rivals.
  • Beginning less than a week before the poll's publication, Evette's campaign made three payments to Co/efficient totaling $32,575.80.

The players

Co/efficient

A Kansas City, Missouri-based polling firm that claims 'radical transparency' as one of its core values.

Pamela Evette

The South Carolina lieutenant governor who is running for the Republican nomination for governor.

Alan Wilson

The South Carolina attorney general and one of Evette's main rivals for the GOP gubernatorial nomination.

Nancy Mace

The South Carolina congresswoman and one of Evette's main rivals for the GOP gubernatorial nomination.

Ralph Norman

The South Carolina congressman and one of Evette's main rivals for the GOP gubernatorial nomination.

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What they’re saying

“Evette has logged the largest gain in the field—from mid-single digits in public polling to 18% today.”

— Ryan Munce, Lead pollster, Co/efficient

“The trajectory favors Evette if she continues her climb among high-propensity conservatives.”

— Ryan Munce, Lead pollster, Co/efficient

What’s next

Filing for the South Carolina gubernatorial race closes on March 30, 2026, with partisan primaries scheduled for June 9, 2026. If no candidate wins a majority in the primary, a runoff election between the top two vote-getters will be held on June 23, 2026.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability in political polling, as well as the potential for conflicts of interest between candidates and the firms conducting surveys. It raises questions about the influence of money in politics and the integrity of the electoral process.