COLUMBIA, S.C. — Berkeley County Sheriff Duane Lewis is among 24 South Carolina sheriffs who signed a public statement expressing support for Attorney General Alan Wilson as political tensions continue to grow ahead of the state’s upcoming gubernatorial race.
The statement, released Thursday by Wilson’s campaign, highlighted the attorney general’s work with local law enforcement agencies on issues including violent crime, fentanyl trafficking, human trafficking, internet crimes against children and public corruption.
“For years, we have worked alongside Attorney General Alan Wilson in the fight against violent crime, fentanyl, human trafficking, Internet crimes against children, public corruption, and illegal immigration,” the sheriffs wrote. “We know his record because we’ve seen it firsthand.”
Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester sheriffs among those signing
Lewis joined sheriffs from counties across South Carolina, including Charleston County Sheriff Carl Ritchie and Dorchester County Sheriff Sam Richardson, in signing the statement.
The sheriffs described Wilson as a supporter of law enforcement and pointed to his partnerships with local agencies throughout the state.
“The truth is simple: Alan Wilson has consistently stood with law enforcement, supported victims, protected children, and fought to keep our communities safe,” the statement said.
The release also criticized recent political attacks against Wilson and referenced an IRS complaint involving Patriots for S.C., a political organization supporting Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette’s gubernatorial campaign.
New poll shows tight Republican governor’s race in South Carolina
A recent poll conducted by The Trafalgar Group suggests the Republican primary field for South Carolina governor remains closely divided, with Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette leading the field at 25.2%, followed closely by Attorney General Alan Wilson at 23.1%.
Congressman Ralph Norman polled at 19.6%, while Congresswoman Nancy Mace received 15.2% support among likely Republican primary voters surveyed.
The poll, conducted May 2-5 among 1,089 likely Republican primary voters, reported a margin of error of 2.9% at a 95% confidence level.
Wilson performed strongest among voters age 65 and older, while Evette led among female voters and voters between ages 40 and 49, according to the survey data.
