The competition for the governor’s seat in South Carolina is heating up, with Republican voters still searching for a clear frontrunner.
A recent Quantus Insights poll of 806 likely GOP primary voters from March 10–11 revealed that many are still undecided as the 2026 race begins to unfold.
Approximately 39% of Republican voters have yet to choose a candidate, signaling just how early in the process we are.
Among those who have made a decision, Rep. Nancy Mace leads with 19%, followed closely by Attorney General Alan Wilson at 18%. Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette is at 13%, and Rep. Ralph Norman holds 9%, while State Sen. Josh Kimbrell sits at 2%.
When including voters who lean towards specific candidates, Mace and Wilson are in a virtual tie, each attracting about 22% of the combined firm and leaning votes. Evette follows at 16%, with Norman at 11% and Kimbrell at 3%.
Even with these leaners considered, nearly a quarter of Republican voters remain without a commitment.
The data reveals that the GOP primary is far from being settled and continues to lack a standout leader. It’s evident many voters are still in a state of contemplation.
Notably, this latest survey shows a shift from Quantus Insights’ earlier polling taken from October 1–3, 2025, indicating movement among candidates.
Mace has seen a rise in support, climbing to tie for the lead, while Evette’s backing has dipped from the low 20s to the mid-teens.
Wilson’s support has been notably stable, remaining consistent between both surveys.
The most remarkable change is the steep increase in undecided voters.
Since October, the proportion of Republicans still weighing their choices has expanded, indicating that many are biding their time as the race evolves.
Despite the fluid candidate dynamics, there’s a clear consensus among Republican voters on key issues.
Economic matters are paramount, with around 31% prioritizing the economy, inflation, and cost of living as the primary concerns in the state.
Election integrity and voting laws follow at approximately 23%, while taxes and government spending come in at 13%, and border security and immigration at 11%.
Their concerns typically reflect a familiar trend among Republican primaries, focusing first on economic stability and election integrity.
Candidates capable of effectively addressing economic challenges may have the best chances of gaining traction with the undecided voters.
Additionally, the survey provides insights into the demographic trends within the GOP electorate.
The likely voter base tends to be older, with over half aged 65 or older, reflecting traditional turnout patterns for South Carolina’s Republican primaries.
Candidate support varies across segments of the electorate, but no one has established a clear coalition.
Mace has shown stronger appeal among men and suburban voters, while Wilson has garnered more backing from educated voters and specific congressional districts.
Evette’s support is stronger in rural areas, whereas Norman’s backing is more regionally concentrated.
However, no voting pattern yet indicates a decisive advantage.
The key characteristic of the race remains its unsettled nature.
A significant portion of Republican voters has yet to pledge support for any candidate, and the top contenders are closely aligned in the polls. Furthermore, the pressing issues, particularly the economy, allow multiple candidates to vie for the same voter base.
While South Carolina primaries are known for shifting dynamics as campaigns progress, this early analysis suggests that the journey toward the 2026 gubernatorial nomination will take time to finalize.
For the moment, the race is still in its infancy, with the electorate weighing choices and the competition for the GOP nomination just beginning.
