As the race for the governorship in South Carolina intensifies, recent polling reveals a significant portion of voters from both major parties remain undecided on their preferred nominee. According to a survey conducted by the South Carolina Policy Council from January 24 to February 1, 2024, approximately 43% of Republican voters and a striking 67% of Democratic voters have yet to make a choice.
Michael Burris, the chief executive officer of the South Carolina Policy Council, commented on the findings, noting, “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.”
Democratic Contest: Johnson Leads McLeod
Currently, the Democratic nomination appears to be a contest primarily between State Representative Jermaine Johnson and Mullins McLeod, a personal injury attorney from Charleston. Johnson leads McLeod by 17 percentage points, with 25% of respondents favoring him compared to 8% for McLeod.
Jacob Barr, Johnson’s campaign manager, 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, emphasizing, “The only poll that matters is Election Day.”
Republican Field: Mace Holds Narrow Lead
On the Republican side, the race remains competitive with five candidates vying for the nomination. Among those who have made a choice, U.S. Representative Nancy Mace currently leads with 18% of the vote, followed closely by Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette and Attorney General Alan Wilson, each securing 12%.
The full breakdown of Republican voter preferences is as follows:
– Nancy Mace: 18%
– Alan Wilson: 12%
– Pamela Evette: 12%
– U.S. Representative Ralph Norman: 11%
– State Senator Josh Kimbrell: 4%
– Undecided: 43%
The margin of error for this poll is ±2.77%. This polling data aligns with earlier surveys. A mid-January poll from the Trafalgar Group indicated a narrow lead for Evette over Wilson, with 22% to 20%, while a late January poll from Palmetto Promise showed Wilson ahead by 6.5 points. An earlier poll sponsored by Mace indicated her lead at four points.
The candidates are competing to succeed Republican Governor Henry McMaster, who is term-limited after serving two full terms. As the primaries approach, the focus will undoubtedly shift to how these candidates can engage undecided voters and solidify their positions within their respective parties.
