Attorney General Alan Wilson announces run for governor, promises to eliminate state income tax amid fierce accusations.

Wilson Launches Gubernatorial Campaign With Bold Tax Pledge

South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson, an adopted son of U.S. Rep. Joe Wilson, R-S.C., has officially entered the race for governor. Wilson, who has served as the state's top legal officer since 2011, unveiled his campaign on Monday, pledging to deliver significant relief to South Carolina taxpayers. "As your governor, we'll deliver meaningful relief to hard-working people. We're going to finally eliminate the state income tax," Wilson said in his announcement speech.

He further promised to overhaul the state government, declaring, "We're going to DOGE South Carolina government from top to bottom. We will root out waste, fraud, and abuse, and we will expose it." Wilson’s campaign is built on themes of government accountability and fiscal reform, appealing to voters frustrated with bureaucratic inefficiency and taxation.

Political Feud Erupts as Mace Issues Strong Accusations

The campaign quickly became contentious, with U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., a potential gubernatorial contender herself, renewing accusations that Wilson has failed to protect children from sexual abuse. In an April post on X, Mace wrote, "How does Alan Wilson explain his record of protecting kids vs. protecting p*dos? You either protect kids or you protect p*dos. You can't do both. Alan Wilson chose p*dophiles. Hold the line."

Robert Kittle, spokesperson for the attorney general’s office, dismissed the claims as "ridiculous," noting that Wilson had personally prosecuted and secured convictions against individuals who sexually abused children. Wilson himself responded at length on social media, defending both his record and his office’s efforts. "I will not stand by and allow someone to lie about, not only me, but the dedicated men and women in my office who’ve been in the trenches protecting kids for years," he wrote. He emphasized the role of the Internet Crimes Against Children division in prosecuting offenders and holding them accountable, and he pointed out that sentencing decisions rest with judges, not prosecutors.

Wilson also noted that his office frequently collaborates with federal agencies to pursue tougher sentences against offenders. Mace countered by calling Wilson’s defense "a very long-winded deflection full of excuses, half-truths and lies, as to why you can't seem to do your job effectively as South Carolina Attorney General."

2026 Governor’s Race Heats Up as McMaster Nears End of Tenure

The upcoming gubernatorial race is wide open, as current Republican Governor Henry McMaster is barred by state law from seeking a third consecutive term. McMaster, who succeeded Nikki Haley in 2017 and subsequently won election in 2018 and 2022, will leave office after nearly a decade in leadership.

Wilson’s entry and the ensuing public spat with Mace set the stage for a heated Republican primary battle. As each candidate seeks to distinguish themselves on issues of tax reform, law enforcement, and government integrity, voters will have a clear choice in the coming months. The contest is expected to attract significant attention as South Carolina prepares for a leadership transition in 2026.