Four Candidates Make Their Case for South Carolina Governor
Republican, Democratic, United Citizens and Green Party nominees outlined their qualifications and affordability plans in an ABC 15 interview.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Financial Planning
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Should South Carolina government be significantly downsized and restructured?
Candidates for South Carolina governor discussed why they are suited to lead the state and what their priorities would be. The four nominees, including Republican Alan Wilson and Democrat Jermaine Johnson, presented differing approaches to affordability and state policy.
Why it matters
The governor's office shapes state policy on taxes, insurance, and budget priorities that affect households across South Carolina. The candidates' contrasting proposals give voters a clearer picture of competing approaches to cost-of-living concerns ahead of the November 3, 2026 election.
Wilson, the Republican nominee, says he served 16 years as attorney general and has recovered over $2 billion for the state. Addison, of the United Citizens Party, proposes refunding $1,000 per registered voter for tariffs paid, though the source does not detail a funding mechanism.
The players
Alan Wilson
Wilson is the Republican candidate for South Carolina governor and has served as the state's attorney general for 16 years.
Jermaine Johnson
Johnson is the Democratic candidate for South Carolina governor seeking to lead the state's executive branch.
Michael Addison
Addison is the United Citizens Party candidate for South Carolina governor and works as a licensed carpenter, builder, chiropractor, and insurance agent.
Walid Hakim
Hakim is the Green Party candidate for South Carolina governor who proposes a state-backed low-cost health insurance company.
The details
Each candidate was asked why they are best suited to lead South Carolina and what their priorities would be. Walid Hakim of the Green Party proposed creating the Carolina Insurance Company to offer low-cost health insurance, while Michael Addison said he would reach out to President Trump's office to seek the tariff refunds.
Timeline
November 3, 2026: South Carolina governor election day.
Within the first 30 days in office: Johnson plans to convene a meeting with the governor, House speaker, and Senate president.
Political Context
Addison's refund proposal rests on the Supreme Court's finding that the Trump tariff program was unconstitutional, a ruling that opens the door to reimbursement claims. Opposition to such refunds, and the legal path for recovering tariff payments, remain contested questions the source does not address.
Proposals such as tariff refunds and low-cost state health insurance would change household costs only if enacted, so voters should compare how each candidate plans to fund them. Residents managing budgets can use this period to review their own insurance and tax exposure before the election.
The takeaway
Campaign promises on affordability are easier to evaluate when voters ask how each proposal would be funded and who would have to approve it. Comparing the specific costs and legal authority behind each plan can clarify which proposals are realistic.
What happens next
Johnson has said he would convene a meeting with the governor, House speaker, and Senate president within the first 30 days in office if elected, and the general election is scheduled for November 3, 2026.
Further reading
For more on household budgeting and cost-of-living planning, explore Financial Planning coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WPDE.
Live Poll
Should South Carolina government be significantly downsized and restructured?
