I have been involved in Republican politics since 1992, when I was a student at the University of South Carolina. Over the past three decades, I have had the privilege of serving as Fifth District Congressional Chairman, Chairman of the Chester County Republican Party, Chester County's State Executive Committeeman, and, for many years, on the South Carolina Republican Party Executive Committee. I have also had the honor of serving as a delegate to two Republican National Conventions and attending a large number of South Carolina Republican state conventions. In addition, I have worked on numerous campaigns in South Carolina and several other states. During that time, I have met countless candidates and elected officials—some who talked a good game and others who delivered results.
I have known Alan Wilson since the 1990s. That matters because I knew Alan long before he became South Carolina's Attorney General and long before there was any discussion of him running for governor. I have watched him develop into one of the strongest and most principled conservative leaders in South Carolina—a leader who has never wavered in his commitment to faith, family, freedom, and the rule of law. I know his character, his convictions, and his unwavering commitment to our state.
This runoff election presents Republicans with a consequential choice. We can elect someone with a proven record of conservative leadership and accomplishment, or we can elect someone whose principal argument is that she is ready for the next step.
I believe the choice is clear: Alan Wilson should be the next Governor of South Carolina.
For more than a decade, Alan Wilson has served as South Carolina's Attorney General with distinction. Under his leadership, the Attorney General's Office has aggressively prosecuted violent criminals, human traffickers, and online predators. South Carolina has become a national leader in combating human trafficking, and Alan has been instrumental in building partnerships among law enforcement, prosecutors, and victim advocates to protect those most vulnerable to exploitation.
He has strengthened efforts to combat internet crimes against children and worked to address the opioid crisis that has devastated too many South Carolina families. At a time when many across the country were undermining law enforcement, Alan consistently stood with the men and women who put their lives on the line to keep our communities safe.
Alan has also been a leading conservative voice on the national stage. He has repeatedly fought federal overreach, defended states' rights under the Tenth Amendment, and challenged policies that threatened South Carolina's economy, constitutional liberties, and way of life. He has joined other conservative attorneys general in fighting unlawful federal mandates, defending parental rights, protecting the Second Amendment, and standing up for the principles that have made South Carolina one of the strongest and fastest-growing states in the nation.
Those accomplishments matter because the governorship today demands far more than cutting ribbons and giving speeches. The next governor will face challenges involving economic growth, infrastructure, education, public safety, and protecting South Carolina from harmful federal policies. The state needs someone who can lead from day one.
Lt. Governor Pamela Evette deserves credit for her business accomplishments and service to our state. However, serving as lieutenant governor is fundamentally different from serving as the state's chief legal officer and leading complex statewide and national policy battles. The governor's office requires someone who has repeatedly demonstrated leadership under pressure and who has a proven record of delivering results.
Supporters of Lt. Governor Evette argue that South Carolina needs fresh leadership and a new perspective. New ideas are always welcome. But conservative voters should ask themselves a simple question: Is this the time to exchange proven leadership for untested promises?
Experience is not the enemy of change. Experience is what makes effective change possible.
Some have attempted to portray Alan Wilson as part of the establishment simply because he has served in statewide office for many years. That criticism ignores the record. Alan has never merely occupied his office; he has used it to fight for conservative principles, defend public safety, and protect South Carolina's interests. He has consistently demonstrated the courage to take on difficult issues and stand firm in the face of criticism.
After more than thirty years in Republican politics—including service in party leadership positions at the county, district, and state levels, participation in countless South Carolina Republican conventions, and representing our party as a delegate to two Republican National Conventions—I have learned that campaigns are often filled with slogans and rhetoric. Elections, however, should ultimately be about records, results, and readiness to lead.
I have known Alan Wilson for more than three decades. I have watched him grow as a leader and remain steadfast in his conservative convictions. I know his integrity. I know his dedication to our state. And I know he has spent his career preparing for this moment.
South Carolina does not need a governor who hopes to grow into the job.
South Carolina needs a governor who is already prepared to lead.
For me, after more than three decades of involvement in Republican politics and years of working alongside Republican leaders at every level, the choice is easy.
I am voting for Alan Wilson, and I encourage my fellow Republicans to do the same. South Carolina's future deserves a proven conservative fighter in the Governor's Office. Alan Wilson is that leader.
