A recent poll by The Trafalgar Group indicates that South Carolina Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette leads among likely Republican voters in the early stages of the 2026 gubernatorial race. The survey, conducted from March 8 to 10, 2025, included 1,127 respondents and has a margin of error of ±2.9%.
According to the poll, 31.5% of participants support Evette’s candidacy. U.S. Representative Nancy Mace follows with 29.1%, Attorney General Alan Wilson has 27.9%, and U.S. Representative Ralph Norman holds 11.5% support.
These findings have surprised some political analysts, as Evette was previously considered an underdog in the race. Mace, who represents South Carolina’s 1st Congressional District, has been vocal about her potential gubernatorial bid and has recently made headlines with her advocacy on women’s safety issues. Wilson, serving as Attorney General since 2011, has also expressed interest in the governorship.
The Trafalgar Group’s poll also assessed respondents’ opinions on other legislative matters, including government waste oversight and tort reform bills. The majority of participants expressed favorable views on initiatives aimed at reducing government waste and addressing rising insurance costs for businesses.
As the 2026 election approaches, these early poll results provide insight into the evolving dynamics of South Carolina’s gubernatorial race.
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