As the race for governor in South Carolina progresses, recent polling indicates that voters from both major parties are largely undecided regarding their preferred nominees. A survey conducted by the South Carolina Policy Council from January 24 to February 1, 2024, reveals that a significant portion of Republican voters, specifically 43%, have yet to make a decision. The uncertainty is even more pronounced among Democrats, with 67% of respondents indicating they are undecided.
Michael Burris, Chief Executive Officer of the South Carolina Policy Council, commented on the findings, stating, “This is just a product of the time of the year we are in right now. I think it’s good that there is no clear frontrunner. It makes the candidates still have to distinguish themselves from one another. That is good for the state. It allows folk to dig in and look for the details in a candidate’s plan.”
For Democrats, the nomination appears to be a contest primarily between two candidates. State Representative Jermaine Johnson currently leads with 25% of the vote, ahead of Mullins McLeod, a Charleston personal injury attorney and former chair of the Charleston County Democratic Party, who trails at 8%. Johnson’s campaign manager, Jacob Barr, expressed confidence in their position, stating, “This poll confirms what we’re seeing on the ground every day. Voters are responding enthusiastically to Jermaine’s message, leadership, and vision for South Carolina.” In contrast, McLeod downplayed the significance of the poll, remarking, “The only poll that matters is Election Day.”
The Republican side of the race remains competitive, with five candidates vying for the nomination. A plurality of voters, 43%, remain undecided. Among those who have made their choice, U.S. Representative Nancy Mace leads with 18%. Both Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette and Attorney General Alan Wilson follow closely behind, each garnering 12%. The full breakdown of the poll results indicates:
– 18% for Mace
– 12% for Wilson
– 12% for Evette
– 11% for U.S. Representative Ralph Norman
– 4% for State Senator Josh Kimbrell
– 43% undecided
The margin of error for this poll is estimated at ±2.77%. This recent survey adds to a series of fluctuating results for Republican candidates. A mid-January poll from the Trafalgar Group indicated a narrow lead for Evette over Wilson, 22% to 20%, while a later poll from Palmetto Promise showed Wilson ahead by 6.5 points. An earlier survey sponsored by Mace revealed her with a four-point advantage.
Candidates are preparing to fill the position currently held by Republican Governor Henry McMaster, who is term-limited after serving two terms. As the election approaches, the dynamics of the race will likely continue to evolve, with candidates striving to solidify their support among undecided voters.
