Resolution criteria

This market will resolve to the Republican candidate who secures the nomination for Governor of South Carolina in the 2026 election. The official nominee will be determined by the South Carolina Republican Party following the primary election. Verification will be based on official announcements from the South Carolina State Election Commission and reputable news outlets.

Background

As of August 2025, several candidates have declared their intention to run in the Republican primary for the 2026 South Carolina gubernatorial election:

• Nancy Mace: U.S. Representative for South Carolina's 1st congressional district since 2021. Mace announced her candidacy on August 4, 2025, positioning herself as a "firebrand" aligned with former President Donald Trump. (reuters.com)

• Pamela Evette: Serving as Lieutenant Governor since 2019, Evette launched her campaign on July 14, 2025, emphasizing her conservative credentials and close ties to both Governor Henry McMaster and former President Trump. (apnews.com)

• Alan Wilson: Attorney General of South Carolina since 2011, Wilson announced his candidacy on June 23, 2025. He has a longstanding political career and is the son of Congressman Joe Wilson. (apnews.com)

• Ralph Norman: U.S. Representative for South Carolina's 5th congressional district since 2017, Norman declared his candidacy in late July 2025. Known for his conservative stance, he has been a vocal supporter of former Governor Nikki Haley. (apnews.com)

• Josh Kimbrell: State Senator representing the 11th district since 2020, Kimbrell announced his gubernatorial bid on June 23, 2025. (en.wikipedia.org)

The Republican primary is scheduled for June 2026, with the general election set for November 3, 2026. (en.wikipedia.org)

Considerations

The Republican primary is expected to be highly competitive, with multiple high-profile candidates vying for the nomination. Endorsements, particularly from influential figures like former President Trump, may significantly impact the race. Additionally, South Carolina's runoff system requires a candidate to secure a majority of votes to win the primary, potentially leading to a runoff if no candidate achieves this threshold. (wrdw.com)