Wilson, Andrews come out on top while Johnson, Graham concede defeat
COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO) — The Palmetto State has officially chosen its next governor and U.S. Senator– with multiple sources including the Associated Press declaring Alan Wilson and Dr. Annie Andrews winners on Election Night.
“First off I just want to say thank you, thank you, thank you South Carolina,” now governor-elect Alan Wilson says to a crowd of supporters at Tuesday night’s GOP watch party.
“You have shown the nation that we can come together to defend South Carolina. And today you have elected a senator that will always put South Carolina first,” says Andrews to a group of supporters at her watch party in Charleston.
“This election is a turning point in SC history. No more doing things the same way we’ve done them before. As your governor I aspire to be a transformational governor, not a transitional governor,” says Wilson, adding, “I do not care if you are a Republican, a Democrat or an Independent or something else, my hand will always be open to work with anyone to hear any point of view.”
Democratic Representative Jermaine Johnson conceded the race to Wilson, and spoke to supporters at Brookland Baptist Church in West Columbia, where he held his watch party. “I knew it was gonna be an uphill battle. I knew it was something that would be difficult, but from the very, very beginning I said, ‘I may not win this race, but I’m gonna help flip so many seats in this state.”‘
Many considering it a shocking defeat for Senator Darline Graham — who was appointed by Governor Henry McMaster to temporarily fill her late brother, Senator Lindsey Graham’s seat, this past July — and was encouraged to run by President Donald Trump who campaigned for Graham twice in SC in previous weeks.
“So, a few moments ago I got off the phone with Annie Andrews to congratulate her on her victory and wish her and her family well as our next us senator. I’d also be remiss if I didn’t mention how proud I am to be the first female senator from SC, and I need to congratulate her, she was the first elected female U.S. Senator,” says Graham.
“I wanna start by thanking Darline Graham for her public service and her love for SC, and I wish her and her family well, and I just spoke with her and she congratulated me on our victory tonight, says Andrews.
Wilson promises the crowd he will be a transformational governor — saying he will focus on making SC more affordable, making businesses more profitable, and making government more accountable.
“God bless you all, and God bless the great state of SC,” he says before exiting the stage to applause.
