The main point(s): South Carolina’s runoffs set the November ballot — Attorney General Alan Wilson clinched the GOP governor’s nomination; Greenville County Council seats in Districts 17 and 23 are set after decisive low-turnout contests. These election results and others will shape taxes, workforce, infrastructure, and land use that drive South Carolina’s and the Upstate region’s competitiveness.

RUNOFF OUTCOMES

Governor

• Winner: Attorney General Alan Wilson, with 68.6% of the vote, defeated Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette to secure the Republican nomination for governor.

Greenville County Council

• District 17 (R): Joe Dill won with 53.84% (3,027) over Travis Forrester’s 46.16% (2,595).
• District 23 (D): David Mitchell defeated incumbent Angela Aiken, 68.36% (484) to 31.64% (224).

TURNOUT ANALYSIS

• Voter participation typically drops in runoff elections, and that trend held this year as well. 
• Enthusiasm remains high on both sides, especially in Greenville.
• GOP engagement outpaced Democrat participation in Greenville for the runoff phase; this is directly attributed to Democrats solidifying their statewide slate of candidates in the primary phase.
• For November, persuasion plus turnout operations will be decisive, especially in low visibility local races where a few hundred votes can flip outcomes.

ZOOM IN: Business-facing takeaways

• Growth & land use: Council outcomes influence rezonings, subdivision approvals, rural preservation - notably in D17 and D23.
• Transportation: Spotlight on resurfacing backlogs, intersection safety, and congestion relief on Woodruff Rd., Hwy 14, Five Forks, and freight corridors.
• Taxes & incentives: Wilson’s platform signals continued emphasis on tax competitiveness and project‑ready industrial sites.
• Workforce & housing: Expect focus on technical college pipelines, apprenticeships, and enabling infrastructure for attainable housing near jobs.

WHAT’S NEXT - November general election

SC Governor:

• Alan Wilson (R) and Jermaine Johnson (D), and Walid Hakim (G) will face off in November.
• Contrast set on tax policy, workforce development, infrastructure financing, and permitting.

Other November Matchups:

• Attorney General: David Stumbo (R) vs Richard Hricik (D); frames include crime, consumer protection, multistate litigation.
• Agriculture commissioner: Cody Simpson (R) vs DeShawn Blanding (D): Agribusiness logistics, biosecurity, and export markets (Port of Charleston/Inland Port Greer).
• Treasurer: Vincent Coe (D) vs Curtis Loftis (R – Incumbent): Debt management, cash investment policy, and modernization of state financial systems.
• U.S. House (Upstate focus): William Timmons (R) vs. Courtney McClain (D): I‑85/I‑385 capacity, CHIPS/defense supply chains, federal funding streams, and permitting timelines.
• U.S. Senate: Lindsey Graham (R) vs. Annie Andrews (D). Expect debates on defense posture, immigration/border policy, trade for exporters, and permitting reform.
• Greenville County Council:
• District 17: Joe Dill will replace Joey Russo
• District 19: Benton Blount (Incumbent) vs Dean Cody
• District 23: David C. Mitchell will replace Alan Mitchell
• District 26: Daniel Rumsfelt will replace Rick Bradley
• District 28: Kyle Long vs Thomas Sanders
• Outcomes will shape zoning updates, capital plans, industrial access, and housing near employment centers.

Why the November Elections should Matter to Greenville area businesses:

• Policy direction on incentives and permitting will influence industrial site readiness and expansion timelines.
• Infrastructure and logistics decisions (ports, interstates, freight corridors) affect supply-chain reliability and costs.
• Workforce investments determine the talent pipeline for advanced manufacturing, health care, and IT.
• Roads funding will figure prominently in local elections.