Meg Kinnard.

Alan Wilson, the four-term Republican attorney general of South Carolina, kicked off his bid for the state’s first open gubernatorial race in 16 years. Wilson’s announcement Monday in his hometown of Lexington sets up a 2026 GOP primary contest that’s likely to be a heated competition for President Donald Trump’s endorsement. Ahead of that official launch, Wilson sat down for a wide-ranging interview with The Associated Press, laying out his vision for the gubernatorial campaign. Official filing for the state’s 2026 elections doesn’t open until March, but several other Republicans have made moves toward running in South Carolina’s first open governor’s race in 16 years. That includes Lt. Gov. Pam Evette, Rep. Nancy Mace and state Sen. Josh Kimbrell.