Election 2026: Evette’s bid to succeed McMaster improved by Trump

(The Center Square) – Staunchly conservative South Carolina Republicans will choose from four recognizable names and one political outsider in the gubernatorial primary on Tuesday in the race to succeed Gov. Henry McMaster.

Polling has been tight for Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, state Attorney General Alan Wilson, U.S. Reps. Nancy Mace and Ralph Norman, and outsider Rom Reddy, the former Exxon Chemical manager turning around multiple companies through acquisition, restructure or sales. Last week’s decision by the president, however, may have changed the trajectory of the race.

State House Rep. Jermaine Johnson is polling ahead of Mullins McLeod and Billy Webster among the Democrats.

Appointed in 2017 to fill the vacancy created by former Gov. Nikki Haley going to the United Nations, McMaster won the limit of two consecutive terms in 2020 and 2024. He turned 79 last month and is the oldest to serve in the office.

Evette led two polls released in four days this week – Tuesday’s from The Citadel and Friday’s f...