MORNING HEADLINES | Four-term Republican attorney general of South Carolina Alan Wilson officially kicked off his bid for the state’s first open gubernatorial race in 16 years.
Wilson announced his official bid in his hometown of Lexington, highlighting the accomplishments of his four terms as the state’s attorney general and outlined his priorities as governor.
“I’m so proud of what we’ve accomplished, the fights we’ve taken on and the results that we have delivered,” Wilson said. “But today marks the beginning of a new fight, a fight to lead South Carolina into the future with the energy of a new generation and unwavering respect for our South Carolina values.”
Meanwhile, S.C. Sen. Josh Kimbrell, R-Spartanburg, also announced his bid for governor in an email blast hours before Wilson was scheduled to make a formal announcement.
“I’m fighting for a stronger, freer state rooted in our founding principles. On June 28, I’ll share a vision to put faith first, protect our republic, and build a future of opportunity for every South Carolinian,” he said in the news release.
At least four other Republicans are expected to launch a bid for governor before then: U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace, R-Charleston, Lt. Gov. Pam Evette, S.C. Sen. Sean Bennet, R-Dorchester and U.S. Rep. Ralph Norman, R- Rock Hill.
Former state treasurer and reality TV star Thomas Ravenel announced a bid in early February but jumped back out four days later.
Filing for the June 2026 primaries is still nine months away.
In other headlines:
S.C. to be hit with hot weather this week. The National Weather Service’s Charleston office is forecasting dangerously hot temperatures for much of the region this week. Highs for South Carolina are set to stretch into the middle and upper 90s through June 25, with heat indices up to 110 degrees.
Abandoned boats removed from Charleston waterways. Charleston County, the City of Charleston Harbor Patrol and a local nonprofit successfully removed two abandoned boats from Charleston waterways that leaders say were two of many posing safety and environmental risks to the area.
Charleston Co. works to improve nine intersections for pedestrians. Charleston County Council is set to vote tonight on a company to take on several pedestrian improvement projects totaling about $1M from the transportation sales tax funding.
Meeting Street Scholarship Fund helps close affordability gaps. The College of Charleston guarantees that enrolled Meeting Street Scholarship recipients will have remaining eligible expenses fully covered, including housing, meals, tuition and other fees.
College of Charleston student finds large fossil on school trip. Rising senior and geology major Monika Angner found the skeleton of a large sea lizard during a school trip to the Badlands of Wyoming. The condition of the fossil is considered to be “extraordinary.”
Charleston market replaces vacant taco bar. Joe Walker, who runs Café Roca and Shift Pilates next door, snatched up the former Taco Bartina, separating the space into three businesses, including a corner market and an Italian restaurant.
Roper St. Francis Healthcare launches full-service coffee shop powered by AI. Roper St. Francis Healthcare will launch the nation’s first full-service coffee shop with barista service that’s powered by an Artificial Intelligence (AI) driven, cashier-less checkout system.
Charleston musician who has played The Windjammer 100 times returns in July. Platinum-selling Charleston singer-songwriter Edwin McCain says he may have played at The Windjammer around 100 times in the past 35 years, and in July, he’s adding another performance to the long list.
Reese Witherspoon, Harlan Coban to stop in downtown Charleston for book signing. Actress Reese Witherspoon joined forces with New York Times bestselling author Harlan Coben for a new thriller novel entitled “Gone Before Goodbye.” The two will spend an evening with fans at the Gaillard Center in downtown Charleston in October as part of their book tour.
Help keep the City Paper free.
No paywalls.
No subscription cost.
Free delivery at 800 locations.
Help support independent journalism by donating today.
