One of the half-dozen Republican candidates running for governor of South Carolina is leaving the race.... State Senator Josh Kimbrell announced Wednesday, June 3, 2026, he is suspending his campaign. In a Facebook post, Kimbrell cited what he called "some of the nastiest politics I have ever experienced in my life."
Thursday, June 4, 2026, Kimbrell officially endorsed Attorney General Alan Wilson for governor. In a news release, he said his decision came after careful consideration of which candidate is best positioned to advance a conservative agenda focused on affordability, economic growth, government reform, and defending South Carolina values.
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Official press release from Josh Kimbrell below:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Senator Josh Kimbrell Endorses Attorney General Alan Wilson for Governor
BOILING SPRINGS, SC — Following his announcement this week that he is suspending his campaign for Governor, State Senator Josh Kimbrell today announced his endorsement of South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson for Governor.
Kimbrell said his decision comes after careful consideration of which candidate is best positioned to advance a conservative agenda focused on affordability, economic growth, government reform, and defending South Carolina values. Kimbrell also offered a pointed observation about the future direction of state leadership. "Governor McMaster is understandably looking out for his family's future," Kimbrell said. "But Alan Wilson is looking out for your family's future. That's the difference." "South Carolina families are being squeezed by rising costs, burdensome regulations, and a government that too often puts special interests ahead of hardworking taxpayers," said Kimbrell. "Over the last six years in the Senate, I've fought to cut taxes, reduce regulations, protect small businesses, and make South Carolina more affordable for working families. After looking at the remaining candidates in this race, I believe Alan Wilson is the candidate most committed to that mission."
Kimbrell cited Wilson's plans to eliminate the state income tax, reduce government waste, cut red tape, conduct comprehensive audits of state government, support small businesses, and make South Carolina more affordable as major reasons for his endorsement. "Alan Wilson understands that the government should work for families, not the other way around," Kimbrell said. "His affordability agenda is focused on lowering the tax burden, growing jobs, cutting unnecessary regulations, and helping South Carolina families keep more of what they earn. Those are fights I've been proud to lead in the Senate, and I believe Alan is prepared to continue that work as Governor."
Kimbrell also pointed to Wilson's record as Attorney General, military service, and willingness to stand with President Donald Trump during some of the most politically difficult moments of the past decade. "Alan Wilson has spent sixteen years serving as South Carolina's Attorney General, nearly thirty years serving in uniform, and has repeatedly stood up to federal overreach while defending conservative principles," Kimbrell said. "He has a proven record of service and results."
The senator also drew a contrast between Wilson's record and what he described as an emerging culture of political entitlement in South Carolina politics. "I've been very clear throughout this campaign that I don't believe anyone is entitled to public office because of their last name, their family connections, or because some political insiders have decided it's their turn," Kimbrell said. "America rejected hereditary privilege 250 years ago. We should reject it today as well." Kimbrell continued: "I don't like political dynasties of any kind. Republican or Democrat. I don't like the idea that someone should inherit power because they're related to somebody or because they're part of some political class. That's not what South Carolina stands for, and it's not what America stands for." Kimbrell said voters should carefully consider the difference between candidates who have built their own record and candidates who are attempting to leverage relationships or political connections. "There's a difference between earning a position and being handed one," Kimbrell said. "Alan Wilson earned his place. He served in the military. He served as a prosecutor. He served four terms as Attorney General. He has a record. He has accomplishments. He has spent years doing the job and fighting for South Carolina."
The senator said Wilson's agenda on public safety, school choice, infrastructure, border security, parental rights, religious liberty, veterans issues, and government accountability aligns closely with the conservative reforms Kimbrell championed during his own campaign. "I entered this race because I wanted to fight for a stronger, freer South Carolina rooted in faith, family, freedom, and opportunity," Kimbrell said. "While my campaign is ending, that mission continues. I believe Alan Wilson gives conservatives the best opportunity to continue advancing those principles and delivering real results for the people of our state." Kimbrell encouraged his supporters to unite behind Wilson and continue working toward a conservative future for South Carolina. "The stakes are too high for conservatives to sit on the sidelines," Kimbrell concluded. "I am proud to endorse Attorney General Alan Wilson for Governor and look forward to helping him Make South Carolina Affordable Again."
About Senator Josh Kimbrell Senator Josh Kimbrell represents Spartanburg County in the South Carolina Senate. First elected in 2020 after defeating a 30-year Democratic incumbent, Kimbrell helped lead passage of the largest income tax cut in South Carolina history, Constitutional Carry, the Heartbeat Bill, and a constitutional amendment prohibiting illegal immigrants from voting in South Carolina elections.
