South Carolina Gubernatorial Candidates Begin Early Voting

Republican Alan Wilson and Democrat Jermaine Johnson hit the campaign trail as South Carolina opens early voting.

Updated on Oct. 19, 2026 in Elections

South Carolina Gubernatorial Candidates Begin Early Voting

Live Poll

In the upcoming election, do you prioritize tax relief over systemic changes in state government?

Early voting has officially commenced in South Carolina as the state prepares for its upcoming gubernatorial election. Candidates Alan Wilson and Jermaine Johnson are actively campaigning across the state to secure support in the final weeks before the vote.

Why it matters

The election presents a clear choice for voters between Wilson, who is focusing on tax relief and economic growth, and Johnson, who is campaigning for a change in leadership after years of Republican governance.

Official campaign finance disclosures show Alan Wilson raised over $2.5 million last quarter, compared to $700,000 raised by opponent Jermaine Johnson. The state remains under intense scrutiny as early voting continues through the start of November.

The players

Alan Wilson

Alan Wilson is the Republican nominee for governor of South Carolina and is currently focusing on tax relief and economic growth.

Jermaine Johnson

Jermaine Johnson is the Democratic nominee for governor of South Carolina who is seeking to shift the state's long-term political direction.

The details

Republican nominee Alan Wilson is focusing his platform on affordability and tax relief, holding campaign events throughout the Upstate region. Democratic nominee Jermaine Johnson, who recently cast his own ballot in Columbia, is targeting voters along the Grand Strand.

Early voting began in South Carolina on October 19, 2026.
Election Day is scheduled to take place on November 2, 2026.

Political Context

Opposition leaders and Democratic strategists frequently point to decades of Republican incumbency as a primary motivator for electoral change. They argue that the current economic platform offered by Wilson fails to address systemic issues that require a shift in partisan leadership.

Residents can now cast their ballots early at designated polling locations across the state. This period provides voters with the opportunity to avoid expected crowds on Election Day while finalizing their choices for the gubernatorial race.

The takeaway

Voters should check their local county election websites for early voting hours and designated polling place locations. Assessing candidate proposals on tax relief versus systemic change will be critical for residents heading to the polls.