Ralph Norman

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WCSC) — U.S. Rep. Ralph Norman has endorsed South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson in the Republican runoff for governor, marking the third former GOP candidate to line up behind Wilson ahead of the June 23 election.

Norman, who previously faced Wilson during a contentious primary campaign, announced his support this week, calling Wilson a “battle-tested conservative” and saying the state cannot afford another four years of a similar administration to the current one.

“We are going to win this race,” Norman said.

The endorsement comes just weeks after Norman and Wilson sparred on the debate stage at Wofford College, trading sharp accusations over economic development projects including the Scout Motors plant and the Silfab Solar facility in Fort Mill.

Despite those clashes, Norman said he did not want to miss the opportunity to back Wilson, noting their shared policy priorities and friendship.

“We share more in common than we do adversaries,” Norman said.

Wilson welcomed the endorsement, framing it as part of a broader effort to unify conservatives ahead of the runoff.

“This campaign is about building the broadest coalition we can possibly build to move the most conservative agenda we can possibly move in the state of South Carolina to help the most people in our state,” Wilson said.

Lieutenant Gov. Pamela Evette, Wilson’s opponent in the runoff, pushed back on the endorsement, saying it confused her. Evette noted that Norman previously campaigned against career politicians and argued that Wilson fits that description.

“It was a little confusing to me because so many of the things the congressman ran on in his platform were not career politicians — people who are in politics who are lining their pockets,” Evette said.

Evette is highlighting endorsements from former President Donald Trump and Gov. Henry McMaster as she makes her case to Republican voters.

Norman said one key issue that helped solidify his decision was Wilson’s stance on gambling. Wilson has pledged to veto any bill authorizing a brick-and-mortar casino if it reaches his desk.

Evette has said she would give her opinion, then allow voters to decide the issue through a statewide referendum.

“I think the problem with career politicians is they always like to say these are the rules for thee, not me, and they make these decisions without letting voters feel like they have a say,” Evette said.

Norman said he could not get a firm commitment from Evette during their conversation.

“She brought up some points I just didn’t agree with,” Norman said. “I came away after the conversation that she was just going to let it go. I’m out for that. He has committed to veto that if it comes up.”

Wilson and Evette are scheduled to face off in a one-on-one debate at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Coastal Carolina University. Early voting for the runoff runs Wednesday and Thursday only, as Friday is the Juneteenth holiday.

Runoff Election Day is June 23, with polls open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.