A new poll released by The Trafalgar Group shows Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette holding a narrow lead in South Carolina’s Republican primary for governor, with several high-profile candidates clustered closely behind her.

According to the survey, Evette leads with 21.9 percent support, followed by Attorney General Alan Wilson at 20.1 percent. Rep. Nancy Mace trails closely with 17.3 percent, while Rep. Ralph Norman stands at 9.8 percent. State Senator Josh Kimbrell registers at 1.9 percent. The poll also found that a significant 29 percent of Republican primary voters remain undecided.

This marks the third time in the past year that Trafalgar has shown Evette leading the field, reinforcing her status as a frontrunner among conservative voters in the Palmetto State. The contest is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched Republican primaries in the nation as the GOP prepares to select a nominee to succeed term-limited Governor Henry McMaster. With several candidates vying for a runoff spot, a large share of undecided voters is expected to determine the outcome.

Several of the candidates have emphasized their alignment with President Donald Trump and his policy agenda as they compete for conservative voters. Trump’s influence continues to loom large in South Carolina Republican politics, making candidate positioning and endorsements a key factor heading into the primary.

The South Carolina Republican primary for governor is scheduled for June 9, 2026, leaving candidates months to consolidate support and appeal to undecided voters across the state.