GOP candidates for SC governor tout experiences to stand out

Four Republican candidates for South Carolina governor outlined their distinct platforms and "brands" during a forum in Greenville.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Republican candidates for South Carolina governor are solidifying their brands as they compete for voter support in the primary. Candidates U.S. Rep. Ralph Norman, State Sen. Josh Kimbrell, Attorney General Alan Wilson and Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette gathered in Greenville's Poinsett Club on Feb. 23 to make their pitches to a room full of Upstate Republicans on why they are the best candidate to lead the state.

Why it matters

With so many candidates in the Republican primary race, local Republican parties are organizing forums to give voters a chance to hear from each candidate and help them distinguish the candidates' platforms and experiences.

The details

Evette spoke about her experience as a small business owner and the need to cut industry regulations that hold small businesses back. Kimbrell built up a brand as a "negotiator" who can work with the legislature on policy priorities. Norman is making "cleaning up Columbia" from corruption a key point of his campaign. Wilson said he wants to be a "voice for people who had no voice" and touted his experience as a combat veteran and attorney general.

  • The forum was held on February 23, 2026.
  • The Spartanburg County Republican Party held a similar event on February 16, 2026.
  • The gubernatorial primary will be on June 9, 2026.
  • Candidates can file to run for governor or other offices from March 16 to March 30, 2026.

The players

U.S. Rep. Ralph Norman

A Republican candidate for South Carolina governor who has a 30-year career in real estate and experience in the state legislature and Congress.

State Sen. Josh Kimbrell

A Republican candidate for South Carolina governor who is building a brand as a "negotiator" who can work with the legislature on policy priorities.

Attorney General Alan Wilson

A Republican candidate for South Carolina governor who wants to be a "voice for people who had no voice" and has experience as a combat veteran and attorney general.

Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette

A Republican candidate for South Carolina governor who is leveraging her experience as a small business owner.

U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace

A Republican candidate for South Carolina governor who did not attend the forum.

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What they’re saying

“I saw it every day in business, small businesses getting choked out because regulations were so burdensome and so costly.”

— Pamela Evette, Republican candidate for South Carolina governor (greenvilleonline.com)

“Anybody that's going to serve as governor needs to understand that relationship.”

— Josh Kimbrell, Republican candidate for South Carolina governor (greenvilleonline.com)

“Columbia is corrupt. It just is.”

— Ralph Norman, Republican candidate for South Carolina governor (greenvilleonline.com)

“I have been out in the trenches, both as a 30-year combat veteran as well as your attorney general for 15 years. It's not enough to say and believe the right things, you must also have the courage to do the right things.”

— Alan Wilson, Republican candidate for South Carolina governor (greenvilleonline.com)

What’s next

The gubernatorial primary will be held on June 9, 2026.

The takeaway

The Republican candidates for South Carolina governor are using their distinct experiences and brands to appeal to voters and stand out in a crowded primary field, highlighting their backgrounds in business, the legislature, law enforcement, and military service.