A new poll from the South Carolina Policy Council shows a wide-open Republican primary for governor in 2026, with no clear frontrunner emerging and a large share of voters still undecided as conservative policy priorities take center stage.

Among Republican-identifying voters, U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace leads the field with 18 percent support, followed by Attorney General Alan Wilson and Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette at 12 percent each. U.S. Rep. Ralph Norman closely trails at 11 percent, while State Sen. Josh Kimbrell registers 4 percent. A striking 43 percent of Republican voters remain undecided, underscoring the fluidity of the race and the opportunity for candidates to define themselves around core conservative issues.

The poll, conducted January 24 through February 1, 2026, surveyed 1,200 registered voters statewide and suggests the Republican primary electorate is far more unified on policy than on candidates. That dynamic is likely to shape the race as contenders compete to align themselves most clearly with voters’ economic and governance priorities.

Tax and spending reform emerged as dominant themes, with 72 percent of voters supporting reducing or eliminating South Carolina’s state income tax. A strong majority also backed fiscal restraint, with 65 percent supporting limits on government spending growth tied to population growth and inflation, and 66 percent saying income tax cuts should only move forward alongside spending reform. Sixty-three percent favored zero-based budgeting, requiring state agencies to justify all spending annually rather than relying on automatic increases.

Judicial reform also appears poised to become a central issue in the governor’s race. Fifty-eight percent of voters support changing South Carolina’s current system for selecting judges, while only 18 percent favor keeping the system as it is. Nearly one-quarter of voters said they were unsure, signaling room for gubernatorial candidates to influence opinion through reform proposals.

Energy policy and data center growth are another emerging fault line. Only 8 percent of voters believe large data centers should rely on ratepayer-funded power generation, while majorities favor requiring them to fund their own power needs through long-term purchase agreements or direct infrastructure investments. Seventy-six percent support mandating long-term power contracts to cover new generation and grid upgrades, a position likely to resonate with voters concerned about rising energy costs and corporate subsidies.

Transportation and infrastructure governance also tested strongly among Republican voters. Fifty-eight percent opposed increasing Department of Transportation funding without structural accountability reforms, and 65 percent supported transferring control of secondary roads to county and municipal governments for local management.

Taken together, the poll suggests the 2026 Republican gubernatorial primary will be decided less by name recognition and more by which candidate most effectively channels voter frustration with government growth, centralized control, and perceived favoritism toward large corporate interests. With nearly half the electorate still undecided, the race remains highly competitive and ripe for reshaping as candidates sharpen their platforms around tax relief, spending discipline, judicial reform, and infrastructure accountability.