Governor South Carolina in Statewide, South Carolina
2026 Primary Election
- Michael A Addison — Doctor in SC
Dr. Michael Addison is seeking to become Governor of South Carolina in 2026 as a candidate for the United Citizens Party. He positions himself as "The Right Man for the Right Times," emphasizing his unparalleled blend of healthcare expertise, environmental accountability, and hands-on community service. Addison believes the state requires a leader with real-world skills to address complex problems, advocating for solutions rooted in his broad skill set. He has a history of running for various offices in South Carolina, including the SC 6th Congressional District and multiple State Senate seats, demonstrating a sustained commitment to public service in the state.
- Pamela S Evette — Incumbent Lieutenant Governor in Columbia, SC
Pamela S. Evette is the incumbent Lieutenant Governor of South Carolina, having served since 2019. Prior to her political career, she was the CEO of Quality Business Solutions. A Republican, Evette has officially filed to run for Governor of South Carolina in 2026, joining a crowded primary field. She emphasizes her conservative business leadership, aligning herself with President Trump and aiming to continue the success seen under Governor McMaster. Evette advocates for expanding home visit programs for mothers and babies and supports youth employment initiatives. She presents herself as the candidate with the real-world experience and bold vision to capitalize on South Carolina's growth and opportunities.
- Walid N Hakim — Candidate for Governor in Columbia, SC
Walid Hakim, a Green Party candidate for Governor of South Carolina in 2026, seeks "New Leadership for South Carolina." A Palestinian-American, US Marine Corps Veteran, and father, he moved to the state in 1985 and has a diverse background including roles as a police officer, political consultant, and actor. His campaign is built on a "100 Year Plan" focusing on Education, Law & Order, and Land Reforms. Hakim advocates for grassroots democracy, social justice, and environmental sustainability, aiming to serve people over corporations and provide a genuine alternative to the status quo. He proposes initiatives to stop waste, care for the less fortunate, and improve infrastructure with new road materials.
- Jermaine L Johnson — Incumbent State Representative (District 52) in SC
Jermaine Johnson, a Democratic Party candidate for Governor of South Carolina in 2026, is an incumbent member of the South Carolina House of Representatives, currently serving District 52. Born in Los Angeles, California, he holds multiple degrees and has served in the State House since 2020. His gubernatorial platform emphasizes creating a labor advisory council to recommend a state minimum wage and fight wage theft, increasing mental healthcare funding, repairing infrastructure, and building affordable housing. Despite facing rumors of withdrawing, Johnson affirmed his commitment to the race, citing strong public support and advocating for a new South Carolina ready for diverse leadership.
- Joshua B Kimbrell — Incumbent State Senator in Spartanburg, SC
Josh Kimbrell, born in Spartanburg, South Carolina, is an incumbent State Senator representing District 11. A Republican, he previously worked as an aviation leasing operator and Christian talk radio host. Kimbrell announced his bid for Governor of South Carolina in 2026, advocating for policies such as eliminating state income tax, expanding immigration enforcement, and implementing universal school choice. He also emphasizes protecting South Carolina's history and aims to build a more effective, collaborative relationship between the governor's office and the legislature.
- Nancy Mace — Incumbent U.S. Representative in SC
Nancy Mace is a three-term Republican congresswoman currently representing South Carolina’s coastal 1st Congressional District. She officially filed to run for Governor of South Carolina in the 2026 election, stating her deep connection to the state and her desire to "give it everything I got." Mace previously served in the South Carolina State House, first elected in 2017, and in 2020 became the first Republican woman from South Carolina elected to Congress, flipping the 1st District seat. A self-described "firebrand" and staunch ally of Donald Trump, her platform includes strict immigration policies, such as fining businesses that hire undocumented immigrants and immediate deportation for those in the state illegally. She has also expressed criticism of government secrecy regarding unidentified anomalous phenomena.
- William M Mcleod — Candidate for Governor in Charleston, SC
Mullins McLeod is campaigning for Governor of South Carolina in 2026, advocating for new leadership and substantial change in the state. Hailing from Walterboro, he connects with South Carolinians as one of their own, explicitly stating he is not part of the "club" in Columbia. McLeod's platform prioritizes ending greed and corruption, promoting transparency and accountability within government, and ensuring fiscal responsibility to address past scandals and policy failures. He aims to bring serious change, fix what is broken, and "Take back South Carolina," guided by his conviction, "My Heart Belongs to God and My Voice Belongs to the People."
- Ralph W Norman — Incumbent U.S. House of Representatives in SC
Ralph W. Norman, a current U.S. Congressman representing South Carolina's 5th Congressional District since 2017, has announced his bid for Governor of South Carolina in the 2026 Republican primary. He previously served in the South Carolina State House of Representatives from 2009 to 2017 and has professional experience as a broker and business owner. Norman, who holds a Bachelor's in Business, is campaigning on a platform of "Term Limits, Clean Up Columbia" and supports school choice. He has received early endorsements from former Governor Nikki Haley and former U.S. Senator Jim DeMint.
- Rom Reddy — Businessman in Isle of Palms, SC
Rom Reddy, a millionaire businessman and Republican, is running for Governor of South Carolina in the 2026 election. An immigrant with an Ivy League education, Reddy resides in Isle of Palms. He founded DOGE SC, a limited government advocacy group. Reddy is self-funding his campaign, declining donations. He is known for defying vaccine mandates for his employees during the pandemic and for ongoing litigation over a seawall. Reddy advocates for investing in the state's human capital and natural beauty to ensure its competitive advantage. He has not held public office before.
- Gary M Votour — Activist in SC
Gary M. Votour is campaigning for Governor of South Carolina in 2026 as the Workers Party nominee. An activist, he previously ran for Governor in 2022, initially seeking the Democratic nomination before becoming the Labor Party nominee. Healthcare is a central issue for Votour, who advocates for expanding Medicaid under the ACA, improving rural healthcare access, and lowering costs. He also champions workers' rights, including unions and equal representation in employment, and supports affordable education, fully funding public schools, and making community college more accessible for lower-income families.
- William M Webster — Candidate for Governor in SC
William M. “Billy” Webster IV, a South Carolina native, is running as a Democrat for governor in 2026, having entered the race on March 25, 2026. He advocates for the state to prepare for meaningful growth through investment in human capital and natural beauty. Webster's extensive background includes serving as a White House Fellow during the George H.W. Bush administration, and as Chief of Staff to Governor Richard Riley, continuing with Riley in the U.S. Secretary of Education role. He also served as the director of Scheduling and Advance for the White House until 1995. Earlier, he was president of a Bojangles franchisee. Webster is noted for his bipartisan political donations and fundraising efforts, and emphasizes individual choice, having previously refused to impose vaccine or mask mandates on his employees.