Alan Wilson wins South Carolina governor’s race

South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson (R) is projected to defeat Democratic state Rep. Jermaine Johnson in the state’s governor’s race, according to Decision Desk HQ (DDHQ).

Wilson, who has served as the Palmetto State’s top prosecutor since 2011, will succeed term-limited Gov. Henry McMaster (R), extending the GOP’s control of the governor’s mansion.

Wilson led Johnson by nearly 7 percentage points with 84 percent of the vote reported, according to DDHQ as of 9:54 p.m. Tuesday.

The Republican emerged from a crowded gubernatorial primary that included South Carolina Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette and GOP Reps. Nancy Mace and Ralph Norman.

Wilson initially finished second to Evette in the June primary but defeated her in a runoff later that month, winning approximately 69 percent of the vote.

President Trump initially endorsed Evette but later backed both candidates ahead of the runoff. Wilson also received endorsements from GOP Sens. Tim Scott (S.C.) and Ted Cruz (Texas).

DDHQ gave the Republican a 77 percent chance of winning heading into Election Day.

Wilson campaigned on lowering taxes, cutting government spending and improving infrastructure. He proposed eliminating South Carolina’s state income tax and conducting audits of state agencies to identify wasteful spending.

Johnson, a state lawmaker representing the Columbia, S.C., area, campaigned on raising wages, expanding access to healthcare and making housing more affordable.

The two candidates sparred over taxes and Medicaid during an October debate . Wilson opposed expanding the healthcare assistance, citing concerns about the state’s ability to afford the program, while Johnson supported a proposed expansion.

Wilson, a colonel in the South Carolina Army National Guard, was first elected to his role as top prosecutor in 2010 and became the longest-serving attorney general in state history.

Republicans have controlled the governor’s mansion in the state since 2003, when former Gov. Mark Sanford (R) took office. The state last elected a Democratic governor in 1998.