South Carolina gubernatorial race tightens in new poll

A new poll conducted by Hart Research Associates suggests the South Carolina gubernatorial race between Republican nominee Alan Wilson and Democratic nominee Jermaine Johnson is tightening.

In a bio-tested response where voters were provided detailed biographies of both candidates, the margin narrowed significantly. Wilson led Johnson 48% to 46%, a result within the survey’s margin of error. The biographies highlighted Johnson’s background as a former professional basketball player and nonprofit founder, while noting Wilson’s military career and his role as the state’s attorney general.

Initial results without the biographical information showed a wider gap, with Wilson leading 48% to 41%. The Johnson campaign has characterized the data as evidence that their ground efforts are yielding results, while the Wilson campaign dismissed the poll as a fundraising tool, maintaining that the Republican platform remains more appealing to voters.