S.C. Gubernatorial Candidates Raise Millions in Donations

Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette and Attorney General Alan Wilson lead the pack in latest fundraising numbers.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 7:25pm

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A dimly lit, cinematic painting of an empty government office or legislative chamber, with warm sunlight streaming through the windows and deep shadows covering the walls and furniture, creating a sense of solitude and contemplation about the political process.The latest campaign finance reports highlight the growing divide between the top-tier and lower-tier gubernatorial candidates in South Carolina.Charleston Today

The latest campaign finance reports show two South Carolina gubernatorial candidates, Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette and Attorney General Alan Wilson, have raised over $1 million each in cash contributions during the first quarter of 2026. Meanwhile, Rep. Nancy Mace and Rep. Ralph Norman have seen slower fundraising, with $564,000 and $314,000 in Q1 contributions respectively.

Why it matters

Fundraising numbers are a key indicator of a candidate's viability and ability to reach voters. The disparity in donations between the top two candidates and the other contenders could impact the dynamics of the race and each campaign's strategy moving forward.

The details

Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette and Attorney General Alan Wilson both raised just over $1 million in cash contributions between January and April 2026. Since the start of 2025, Evette has raised around $3.1 million total, while Wilson has raised $2.9 million. In contrast, Rep. Nancy Mace raised $564,000 in Q1 2026 for a total of $2.2 million, and Rep. Ralph Norman raised $314,000 in Q1 for a $1.6 million total.

  • The latest campaign finance reports cover the period from January 1 to March 31, 2026.
  • Since the start of 2025, Evette has raised around $3.1 million total and Wilson has raised $2.9 million.

The players

Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette

A candidate for South Carolina governor who has raised over $3.1 million since the start of 2025.

Attorney General Alan Wilson

A candidate for South Carolina governor who has raised over $2.9 million since the start of 2025.

Rep. Nancy Mace

A candidate for South Carolina governor who has raised $2.2 million since the start of 2025, but only $564,000 in Q1 2026.

Rep. Ralph Norman

A candidate for South Carolina governor who has raised $1.6 million since the start of 2025, but only $314,000 in Q1 2026.

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The takeaway

The stark contrast in fundraising between the top two candidates, Evette and Wilson, and the other contenders like Mace and Norman suggests the race for the South Carolina governorship may be narrowing to a two-person contest. The ability to raise money will be crucial in the months ahead as the candidates seek to connect with voters and get their message out.