Alan Wilson, the four-term Republican attorney general of South Carolina, kicked off his bid for the state’s first open gubernatorial race in 16 years, setting up a 2026 GOP primary contest that's likely to be a heated competition for President Donald Trump’s endorsement.

Alan Wilson, South Carolina’s longtime attorney general, has officially launched his campaign for governor in 2026. “Today marks the beginning of a new fight, a fight to lead South Carolina into the future with the energy of a new generation and unwavering respect for our South Carolina values,

Attorney General Alan Wilson formally jumped into the 2026 race for South Carolina governor, the first of several Republicans looking to succeed McMaster.