Alan Wilson wins South Carolina governor's race, state sets voting record

South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson, a Republican, has won the state's governor's race, according to Decision Desk HQ and WCBD Count on 2. Wilson will succeed term-limited Governor Henry McMaster and become the 118th governor of South Carolina, as reported by ABC News 4 WCIV.

Wilson's victory came after Democratic state Representative Jermaine Johnson conceded the race, which also included Green Party candidate Walid Hakim and United Citizens Party candidate Michael Addison, ABC News 4 WCIV noted. Wilson campaigned on issues including eliminating the state income tax, expanding school choice, improving infrastructure, increasing rural health care access, and enhancing public safety with tougher penalties for violent offenders and fentanyl-related crimes.

The election saw record-breaking voter turnout in South Carolina. Live 5 WCSC reported that as of 4:30 p.m. on Election Day, 1,797,335 voters had cast ballots, surpassing the previous record of 1,726,527 votes set in 2018. This turnout represented 52.3% of registered voters, with polls open until 7 p.m., giving the state a chance to approach the highest turnout percentage of 54.6%, set in 2002.

Wilson and Republican supporters gathered for an Election Night Victory Celebration at the South Carolina State Fairgrounds in Columbia, according to ABC News 4 WCIV. Wilson's win continues Republican control of the governor's office in South Carolina.