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Wick Releases New South Carolina GOP Primary Poll
Columbia, S.C. — Wick today announced the results of a newly conducted statewide survey measuring the early landscape of the 2026 South Carolina Republican gubernatorial primary. The poll provides the first comprehensive snapshot of the race following recent controversy involving Congresswoman Nancy Mace at the Charleston Airport. Conducted November 24–26 among 600 likely Republican primary voters, the survey shows Attorney General Alan Wilson maintaining a clear advantage in the early stages of the contest.
Wilson Leads a Divided Field
When asked who they would support if the GOP primary were held today, voters placed Attorney General Alan Wilson in the lead at 22.2%, followed by Lt. Governor Pamela Evette at 15.7%. No other candidate reaches the mid-teens, and a substantial 37.7% remain undecided, underscoring the race’s early and fluid dynamics.
Nancy Mace Support Declines
Congresswoman Nancy Mace registers 10.5%, placing her well behind the frontrunners. Compared to publicly available polling from earlier in the fall—showing her in the 20% range—Mace’s support has declined by roughly 50% month-over-month.
Her image ratings reflect similar challenges. 48.5% of GOP primary voters view her unfavorably, including 33.7% “very unfavorable,” the highest intense-negative rating of any figure tested in the survey.
Wilson Maintains the Strongest Image Rating
Wilson posts the strongest image profile in the field, with a 48.7% favorable / 20.7% unfavorable rating—making him the only candidate with a double-digit net positive image. His high baseline name recognition and comparatively low share of undecided impressions position him as the early frontrunner.
Primary Electorate Remains Deeply Conservative
The survey reaffirms the ideological composition of South Carolina’s GOP primary electorate:
- 75.2% identify as conservative
- 80.3% describe themselves as “MAGA Republicans”
This environment suggests that candidates emphasizing conservative and law-and-order messaging may hold structural advantages as the campaign progresses.
High Uncertainty Creates Opportunity
Despite Wilson’s early lead, more than one-third of likely voters remain undecided. This significant pool of uncommitted voters presents clear opportunities for multiple candidates to expand support as campaigns intensify outreach heading into 2026.
Methodology
The survey was conducted November 24–26, 2025, using text-to-web interviews with a sample of 600 likely Republican primary voters. The margin of error is ±4%. Data were weighted to reflect historical turnout patterns in South Carolina Republican primaries.
About Wick
Wick, led by veteran pollster David Burrell, provides public-opinion research and strategic insights for political campaigns, nonprofit organizations, and advocacy groups throughout the Southeast. The firm has a 15 year track record of delivering accurate, high-quality primary and general-election polling.
Media Contact
Peyton Dunlap
Email: pdunlap@wick.io
