South Carolina’s political landscape is shifting as longtime First Circuit Solicitor David Pascoe has announced his intention to run for the state’s Attorney General position. Pascoe, a respected prosecutor known for his work in public corruption cases, recently made headlines by switching his party affiliation from Democrat to Republican. This move is seen as a strategic first step toward a potential run for the state’s top legal office.
The decision comes as incumbent Attorney General Alan Wilson is widely expected to vacate the position to pursue a bid for governor in 2026. This has opened up a significant opportunity for other candidates, and Pascoe’s entry into the race is poised to be a major development. He will likely face competition from other notable Republicans, including State Representative Stephen Goldfinch and Eighth Circuit Solicitor David Stumbo.
Pascoe’s career has been marked by high-profile prosecutions and a reputation for being tough on crime. He has served as the First Circuit Solicitor since 2005, covering Orangeburg, Calhoun, and Dorchester counties. During his tenure, he has successfully tried numerous violent crime cases and implemented progressive programs aimed at curbing juvenile crime, such as a youth mentor program. He also gained statewide recognition for his role as a special prosecutor in a public corruption probe that led to the convictions of several powerful state lawmakers.
Pascoe’s party switch from Democrat to Republican, announced in April 2025, aligns him with the dominant political party in South Carolina, a move that could strengthen his chances in the upcoming election. His history of working with and endorsing Republican candidates, even while a Democrat, indicates a pragmatic and bipartisan approach to criminal justice issues.
The race for South Carolina Attorney General is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched contests in the 2026 election cycle, with Pascoe emerging as a formidable contender.
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