South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson has announced his candidacy for the 2026 gubernatorial election, marking a significant shift in the state’s political landscape. Wilson, a longtime public servant who has held the state’s top legal position since 2011, has positioned himself as a champion for fiscal conservatism and government reform. His campaign promises include the elimination of the state income tax, a move he argues would provide substantial relief to working families and small businesses.
In a speech delivered on Monday, Wilson outlined his vision for a transformed South Carolina government, stating that his administration would ‘DOGE government from top to bottom.’ The term, a play on the cryptocurrency acronym, serves as a metaphor for his commitment to transparency and accountability. Wilson criticized the current administration for inefficiency and bureaucracy, vowing to root out waste, fraud, and abuse within state operations. This message resonates with many South Carolinians who have long advocated for a leaner, more efficient government.
Wilson’s announcement comes amid a growing political rivalry with U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace, a Republican who has expressed concerns about his past conduct as an attorney general. Mace has previously accused Wilson of protecting pedophiles, a claim Wilson’s office has strongly denied. Mace’s accusations were part of a broader debate over the state’s approach to child safety and justice, and they have raised questions about the relationship between public service and personal accountability.
Wilson responded to Mace’s criticisms in a lengthy post on X, where he accused her of spreading lies for political gain. ‘Specifically, she has brought up a handful of cases from the last decade related to offenders that obtained illegal images of children,’ Wilson wrote. ‘Let me be clear, our ICAC division has worked to get these criminals before a judge and hold them accountable.’ He emphasized that judges, not prosecutors, determine sentences, and that the state’s legal system works in collaboration with federal agencies to ensure justice is served.
Mace, however, dismissed Wilson’s response as a deflection, calling it a ‘very long-winded deflection full of excuses, half-truths and lies.’ Her criticism has sparked a heated exchange between the two candidates, with each portraying the other as unfit for public service. Amid these tensions, South Carolina’s current governor, Henry McMaster, remains ineligible to run for re-election in 2026 due to the state constitution’s term limits. McMaster’s successor will be determined through the upcoming race, which is shaping up to be a closely contested contest.
The governor’s race in South Carolina is not only a matter of state politics but also a reflection of broader national trends. Wilson’s campaign emphasizes fiscal conservatism and government reform, while Mace’s potential campaign is focused on issues of safety and justice. The race is expected to draw significant attention from both state and national media, as voters await the finalization of the candidates and the development of their platforms.