Oct 27, 2026 · @ https://x.com/myrtlebeachnews
Statewide survey from the S.C. Policy Council poll also finds broad support for cutting income and vehicle taxes, earmark transparency and making data centers pay for their own power infrastructure
With less than one week left before the Nov. 3 general election, a new statewide poll shows Republican Alan Wilson holding a 10-point lead in the race for governor, while South Carolina’s U.S. Senate contest is effectively tied.
The S.C. Policy Council poll (SCPC) released its 2026 Fall Poll on Tuesday. The survey was conducted by Targoz Market Research between Oct. 16 and Oct. 25.
Governor: Wilson leads Jermaine Johnson 51% to 41% among early and likely voters. The 10-point gap is well outside the poll’s margin of error for candidate preferences.
U.S. Senate: Darline Graham Nordone stands at 47%, with Annie Andrews at 46%. A one-point difference falls well inside the margin of error, making the race a statistical tie.
Voters are feeling the squeeze. 58% of respondents said it has become harder to afford regular expenses, compared with just 12% who said it has become easier.
| Issue | Result |
|---|---|
| Public disclosure of earmark spending requests before a budget vote | 78% support |
| Expanding the S.C. Education Scholarship Trust Fund | 76% support |
| Eliminating the personal vehicle property tax | 75% support |
| Eliminating the state income tax | 65% support |
| Requiring data centers to pay additional costs for their energy generation infrastructure | 64% support |
| Allowing private equity investment into law firms | 54% oppose |
The strongest result in the S.C. Policy Council poll survey, earmark transparency, drew support from nearly four in five respondents. Earmarks are the line-item spending requests individual legislators insert into the state budget, often with little public notice before a vote.
The data center question lands as utilities and lawmakers across the Southeast debate who should cover the cost of new power generation needed to serve large server facilities, and whether those costs end up on residential bills.
Several of the policy questions track issues SCPC has long advocated for, including income tax elimination, budget and earmark transparency, and school choice. The council said it hopes the poll will serve as a resource for the public, lawmakers and the media in understanding voter priorities.
The full results are available on the South Carolina Policy Council website.
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