| Elections in South Carolina |
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The 2026 South Carolina gubernatorial election is scheduled to take place on November 3, 2026, to elect the next governor of South Carolina. Incumbent Governor Henry McMaster is term-limited and cannot seek a third full consecutive term. He took office on January 24, 2017, upon the resignation of fellow Republican Nikki Haley to become U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations under the first Trump administration and won full terms in 2018 and 2022.
Republican primary
Candidates
Publicly expressed interest
- Sean Bennett, state senator from the 38th district (2012–present)[1][2]
- Pamela Evette, Lieutenant Governor of South Carolina (2019–present)[3]
- Josh Kimbrell, state senator from the 11th district (2020–present)[1][4]
- Nancy Mace, U.S. Representative from South Carolina's 1st congressional district (2021–present)[5]
- Ralph Norman, U.S. representative from South Carolina's 5th congressional district (2017–present)[6]
- Alan Wilson, South Carolina Attorney General (2011–present)[7]
Potential
- Adam Morgan, former state representative from the 20th district (2018–2024) and candidate for South Carolina's 4th congressional district in 2024[1]
- Mark Sanford, former governor (2003–2011) and former U.S. Representative from South Carolina's 1st congressional district (1995–2001; 2013–2019)[8]
- John Warren, mortgage company executive and candidate for governor in 2018[1]
Withdrawn
- Thomas Ravenel, former South Carolina State Treasurer (2007), candidate for U.S. Senate in 2004 and independent candidate in 2014[9]
Democratic primary
Candidates
Publicly expressed interest
- Jermaine Johnson, state representative from the 70th district (2020–present)[1]
- Mullins McLeod, trial attorney and candidate for governor in 2010[1]
Potential
- Ivory Thigpen, state representative from the 79th district (2016–present)[1]
Declined
- Russell Ott, state senator from the 26th district (2024–present)[1]
General election
Predictions
| Source | Ranking | As of |
|---|---|---|
| The Cook Political Report[10] | Solid R | January 23, 2025 |
| Inside Elections[11] | Solid R | February 6, 2025 |
See also
References
- ^ a b c d e f g h Bustos, Joseph (November 14, 2024). "Who might run for South Carolina governor and US senator in 2026? Here are names to watch". The State. Retrieved November 14, 2024.
- ^ Folks, Will (January 29, 2025). "S.C. Senator Sean Bennett: 2026 Gubernatorial Profile". FITSNews. Retrieved February 7, 2025.
- ^ Weber, Andy (February 10, 2025). "SC politicians eye governors seat; who might be running". WJZY. Retrieved February 10, 2025.
'We're gonna look in the short time ahead, and you know, I'm going to let everybody know when the right time it is to talk about something like that,' said Lt. Governor Evette.
- ^ Folks, Will (February 5, 2025). "S.C. Senator Josh Kimbrell: 2026 Gubernatorial Profile". FITSNews. Retrieved February 7, 2025.
- ^ Kinnard, Meg (January 22, 2025). "Rep. Nancy Mace says she is considering a run for South Carolina governor". Associated Press. Retrieved January 22, 2025.
- ^ Solender, Andrew (November 27, 2024). "Scoop: A huge wave of House members is eyeing runs for other offices in 2026". Axios. Archived from the original on November 28, 2024. Retrieved November 27, 2024.
- ^ Ortiz, Renee (January 15, 2025). "AG Alan Wilson praises GOP win, says he is considering run for governor". Index-Journal. Retrieved January 16, 2025.
- ^ Wilson, Reid (February 4, 2025). "Sanford considers comeback bid in South Carolina". Pluribus News. Retrieved February 4, 2025.
- ^ Chornobroff, Shaun (February 11, 2025). "Former SC treasurer and reality TV star ends bid for governor, days after announcement". South Carolina Daily Gazette. Retrieved February 11, 2025.
- ^ "2026 CPR Governor Race ratings". Cook Political Report. Retrieved January 23, 2025.
- ^ "Gubernatorial Ratings". Inside Elections. Retrieved February 7, 2025.