A Crowded Republican Primary Ends With No Clear Winner

South Carolina’s Republican race for governor is heading to a runoff after Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette and Attorney General Alan Wilson finished ahead of a crowded field but neither secured enough support to win the nomination outright.

The primary was held on June 9, 2026. Because no candidate crossed the required majority mark, Evette and Wilson will now face each other in a June 23 runoff. The winner will become the Republican nominee in a state where the GOP has a strong advantage in statewide races.

This was not a quiet primary. It had a Trump-backed candidate, a longtime attorney general, two members of Congress, a wealthy businessman, and a nationally known Republican figure in Nancy Mace. It also had a clear political message by the end of the night: name recognition is not enough. Money helps, but it does not close the deal by itself. Trump’s support still matters in South Carolina Republican politics.

Evette came out of the first round with momentum. Wilson came out with a path. Mace came out with a major loss.

That is the race now.

Evette Leads the First Round

Pamela Evette entered the race with major advantages. She is South Carolina’s sitting lieutenant governor and has served alongside outgoing Governor Henry McMaster, who is term-limited. She also had the backing of Donald Trump, a major factor in a Republican primary in South Carolina.

Evette has built her campaign around conservative politics, business experience, and loyalty to Trump. Before entering politics, she was an entrepreneur who helped grow Quality Business Solutions, an HR and accounting software company. Her campaign also had strong fundraising, giving her the ability to compete across the state.

Her first-place finish showed that those advantages mattered.

But it was not enough to finish the race.

Now she has to win a head-to-head contest against Wilson, who has deep roots in South Carolina politics and has been attorney general since 2011.

Alan Wilson Gets His Shot

Alan Wilson’s second-place finish puts him directly in the fight for the nomination.

Wilson has been South Carolina’s attorney general for more than a decade. That gives him a long record to run on and a base of voters who know his name. He is also the son of U.S. Representative Joe Wilson, one of the state’s most familiar Republican figures.

His campaign is built around law-and-order politics, experience, and conservative legal fights. That brand can work in a GOP runoff, especially if voters who backed other candidates move toward him.

The runoff now becomes simple:

• Evette will argue she is the Trump-backed conservative with executive experience.
• Wilson will argue he is the tested statewide official with a long legal record.
• Both will fight for voters who backed Nancy Mace, Ralph Norman, Rom Reddy, and other candidates.

That is where the race will be decided.

Nancy Mace Takes the Biggest Hit

The most striking result of the night was the collapse of Nancy Mace’s campaign.

Mace entered the race with national attention. She is a member of Congress and has built a reputation as a combative political figure. She has moved through different positions inside the Republican Party, at times clashing with Trump and later trying to align herself more closely with him.

But the primary result showed that her profile did not translate into enough support in the governor’s race.

Mace failed to make the runoff. That is the hard fact.

For a candidate with her media presence, the loss was not small. It was a clear rejection by Republican primary voters. Her campaign drew attention, but attention is not votes. In politics, that difference matters.

Her defeat also shows how difficult it can be to run statewide after becoming a polarizing national figure. National headlines can raise money and build a brand. They can also create baggage.

South Carolina voters did not put her in the final two.

Ralph Norman and Rom Reddy Also Fall Short

U.S. Representative Ralph Norman was another major Republican in the race. Norman is known as one of the more conservative members of Congress and has ties to the House Freedom Caucus. His campaign leaned into conservative positions and infrastructure issues, but he did not break through enough to make the runoff.

Businessman Rom Reddy also ran, bringing personal wealth and an outsider message. He had the money to compete, but the race still narrowed to two candidates with statewide government experience.

That is worth noting.

The first round did not reward the loudest campaign or the newest face. It rewarded two candidates already tied to state-level power: the lieutenant governor and the attorney general.

What the Runoff Is Really About

Trump’s Influence

Evette’s Trump endorsement is now one of the most important assets in the runoff. South Carolina remains deeply Republican, and Trump’s support can move voters in a low-turnout runoff.

But an endorsement does not vote by itself. Evette still has to turn out supporters on June 23. Runoffs are different from regular primaries. Fewer people vote. Campaign organization matters more. Direct voter contact matters more.

That gives Wilson an opening.

Experience vs. Alignment

Both candidates will sell experience, but in different ways.

Evette can point to her time as lieutenant governor and her business background. Wilson can point to years as attorney general and his legal record.

The deeper question is what Republican voters want more right now:

• A Trump-backed executive-style candidate
• A long-serving legal conservative with statewide name ID

That is the choice.

The Mace Vote

Mace’s voters now become valuable. So do Norman’s and Reddy’s.

In a runoff, the candidate who can absorb the most support from eliminated rivals usually wins. Endorsements may matter. So will geography, turnout, and whether voters see Evette or Wilson as the more reliable conservative.

Democrats Have Their Nominee

On the Democratic side, Jermaine Johnson won his party’s nomination. Johnson is a state representative and former professional basketball player from the Columbia area.

He will face the Republican nominee in November.

That general election will still be difficult for Democrats. South Carolina leans Republican, and Democrats have not won the governor’s office there in decades. But Johnson gives the party a nominee with a personal story and a base in state politics.

The larger question is whether Democrats can take advantage of Republican division after the runoff. That will not be easy, but it is the best opening they have.

Bottom Line

South Carolina’s Republican governor primary did not end the race. It sharpened it.

Pamela Evette and Alan Wilson are moving to a June 23 runoff. Evette has Trump’s backing and the first-place finish. Wilson has a long statewide record and a clear chance to consolidate anti-Evette voters. Nancy Mace, despite national attention, failed to reach the final round.

That is the signal from the primary.

The race is now smaller, cleaner, and more direct.

Two candidates. Two weeks. One nomination.

And in South Carolina, that nomination may be the biggest step toward the governor’s office.

Image Credit: Office of Congresswoman Nancy Mace, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Global internet traffic surged in 2025, marking one of the strongest growth years in recent memory. Data usage climbed sharply as more people relied on online platforms for work, shopping, entertainment, and communication. The expansion reflects how deeply digital services are woven into daily life across both developed and emerging markets. The increase was driven by faster mobile networks, wider fiber availability, and growing adoption of cloud-based services. Video streaming, short-form content, and AI-powered tools played a major role in pushing overall internet traffic to new highs. Despite ongoing competition and regulatory scrutiny, one company continued to dominate how users access the web. Google remained the most visited and influential gateway to online content throughout the year.

Internet Traffic Growth Accelerates Worldwide

Internet traffic grew by roughly 19% in 2025, continuing a multi-year trend of steady expansion. While growth rates slowed slightly in some mature markets, overall global usage increased due to rising connectivity in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Mobile devices accounted for a large share of new traffic. Affordable smartphones and expanded 5G coverage encouraged users to spend more time online, especially on video-heavy platforms. At the same time, remote work and hybrid offices kept professional data usage elevated. Another contributor was the growing popularity of cloud services. From file storage to collaborative software, businesses and individuals alike relied more heavily on internet-based tools, adding to total traffic volumes.

Google’s Grip on Online Discovery Remains Strong

Google continued to lead global web traffic in 2025, maintaining its position as the primary entry point to the internet for billions of users. Search remained the company’s strongest asset, with Google Search handling the vast majority of global queries. YouTube also played a significant role in sustaining Google’s dominance. As video consumption continued to rise, YouTube attracted massive daily engagement across entertainment, education, and news-related content. This helped Google capture attention even as social platforms competed for screen time. While rivals made gains in niche areas, Google’s integrated ecosystem gave it a lasting advantage. Search, video, maps, email, and cloud services reinforced one another, keeping users within Google’s platforms for longer periods.

Social Media and Streaming Fuel Data Demand

Social media platforms were among the biggest drivers of internet traffic growth in 2025. Short-form video, live streaming, and algorithm-driven feeds encouraged frequent and prolonged usage, particularly among younger audiences. Streaming services also expanded their reach, with higher-resolution content becoming more common. The shift toward 4K and even experimental 8K streaming significantly increased data consumption per user, especially during peak viewing hours. Gaming contributed as well. Online multiplayer games, cloud gaming services, and live game streaming added to traffic volumes, blurring the lines between entertainment, social interaction, and digital media.

AI Tools Add a New Layer of Usage

Artificial intelligence became a notable source of internet activity in 2025. AI-powered assistants, content generators, and search enhancements required constant data exchange between users and cloud servers. Businesses increasingly relied on AI tools for customer support, marketing, and analytics. These systems processed large datasets in real time, quietly adding to overall traffic without always being visible to end users. For consumers, AI-driven features were often embedded within familiar platforms. From smarter search results to personalized recommendations, AI increased engagement while also raising the amount of data moving across networks.

Regional Differences Shape Traffic Patterns

While global growth was strong, internet traffic patterns varied by region. North America and Europe saw moderate increases, reflecting already high penetration rates and mature digital markets. In contrast, parts of Asia and Africa experienced faster growth. New users coming online for the first time, combined with expanding mobile infrastructure, led to sharp rises in data consumption. In many of these regions, mobile-first usage defined how people accessed content. Local platforms also influenced traffic flows. Regional apps, e-commerce sites, and messaging services captured significant attention, even as global giants like Google continued to dominate overall discovery.

Infrastructure Strains and Sustainability Concerns

The surge in internet traffic raised questions about infrastructure capacity and sustainability. Data centers, undersea cables, and mobile networks faced increasing demand, requiring continued investment to maintain performance and reliability. Energy use became a growing concern as well. Data centers supporting search, streaming, and AI workloads consumed vast amounts of electricity, prompting renewed focus on efficiency and renewable energy sources. Network operators and tech companies responded by optimizing data delivery, expanding edge computing, and investing in greener technologies. These efforts aimed to balance growth with environmental responsibility.

Competition and Regulation Remain Key Factors

Despite Google’s continued leadership, competition in the digital space intensified. Social platforms, AI-driven search alternatives, and specialized apps all worked to capture user attention and traffic. Regulatory pressure also shaped the landscape in 2025. Governments in several regions pushed for greater transparency, fair competition, and data protection. While these efforts did not significantly disrupt traffic patterns, they influenced how companies operated and expanded. For users, the result was a more complex digital ecosystem, with more choices but also greater awareness of privacy and platform power.

What the Growth Means Going Forward

The 19% rise in internet traffic in 2025 highlighted the ongoing expansion of the digital world and the central role online platforms play in everyday life. Google’s ability to remain the dominant gateway underscored the strength of its ecosystem, even as new technologies emerged. Looking ahead, traffic growth is expected to continue, though at varying rates across regions. Advances in AI, faster networks, and new forms of digital content are likely to push usage higher, raising fresh questions about infrastructure, competition, and sustainability in the years to come.

Foreign holdings of the U.S. Treasuries climbed to a record level in November, underscoring continued global demand for American government debt even as financial markets navigated uncertainty. Overseas investors increased their exposure to U.S. bonds despite high interest rates, geopolitical tensions, and shifting central bank policies. The milestone highlights the enduring role of Treasuries as a cornerstone of the global financial system. At the same time, the data revealed a notable divergence among major holders. While overall foreign ownership rose, China trimmed its Treasury portfolio again, extending a gradual pullback that has been underway for years. This contrast raises questions about how global capital flows are evolving and what it means for the U.S. economy going forward.

Why U.S. Treasuries Still Attract Global Investors

U.S. Treasuries remain one of the safest and most liquid assets in the world, a key reason foreign demand continues to grow. In periods of economic uncertainty, investors often seek assets backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government. Even with concerns about fiscal deficits and rising debt levels, Treasuries are still widely viewed as a reliable store of value. Higher interest rates have also played a role in boosting foreign interest. As yields rose over the past year, U.S. government bonds became more attractive relative to debt issued by other advanced economies. For investors facing lower yields at home, Treasuries offered a combination of safety and improved returns.

China’s Gradual Retreat from U.S. Treasuries

China’s decision to reduce its Treasury holdings stands out against the broader trend. Once the largest foreign holder of U.S. debt, China has steadily scaled back its position, reflecting both economic and strategic considerations. Slower domestic growth, currency management goals, and efforts to diversify reserves have all contributed to the shift. The pullback does not signal a sudden exit, but rather a long-term adjustment. China still holds a substantial amount of U.S. debt, yet its reduced participation suggests a desire to lessen exposure to dollar-denominated assets. This trend has fueled speculation about how geopolitical tensions and trade dynamics influence reserve management decisions.

Other Countries Step In to Fill the Gap

As China has reduced its holdings, other countries have increased theirs. Financial centers and export-driven economies have been among the biggest buyers, using Treasuries to manage foreign exchange reserves and stabilize their currencies. These purchases have helped offset China’s decline and pushed total foreign holdings to a new high. Japan, long a major holder of U.S. debt, has remained a key player, while several emerging market economies have also expanded their Treasury portfolios. This diversification of buyers suggests that demand for U.S. debt is becoming more broadly distributed, reducing reliance on any single country.

Impact on the U.S. Dollar and Financial Markets

Strong foreign demand for U.S. Treasuries supports the dollar’s role as the world’s dominant reserve currency. When overseas investors buy Treasuries, they typically need dollars, reinforcing global demand for the U.S. currency. This dynamic helps explain why the dollar has remained resilient even amid concerns about U.S. fiscal health. For financial markets, steady foreign buying can help keep borrowing costs in check. While Treasury yields are influenced by many factors, including Federal Reserve policy and inflation expectations, overseas demand provides an important stabilizing force. Without it, the U.S. government might face higher financing costs over time.

Federal Reserve Policy and Its Influence

Monetary policy has been a critical factor shaping foreign interest in Treasuries. The Federal Reserve’s stance on interest rates directly affects bond yields, which in turn influence global investment decisions. Expectations that rates may peak or gradually ease have encouraged some investors to lock in yields while they remain elevated. At the same time, uncertainty about the timing and pace of future rate cuts keeps markets cautious. Foreign investors are closely watching U.S. economic data and central bank signals, adjusting their Treasury exposure as conditions evolve.

Fiscal Concerns and Long-Term Sustainability

Despite record foreign holdings, concerns about U.S. fiscal policy persist. Rising deficits and a growing national debt have prompted debates about long-term sustainability. Some analysts warn that if confidence in U.S. fiscal discipline weakens, foreign demand could eventually soften. So far, however, the market response suggests that these worries have not outweighed the appeal of Treasuries. Investors appear to differentiate between long-term fiscal challenges and the near-term safety and liquidity that U.S. debt provides.

What This Means for the Global Economy

The contrasting trends of rising overall foreign holdings and China’s pullback reflect a changing global financial landscape. Capital flows are adjusting to new economic realities, shifting alliances, and evolving risk assessments. Yet the continued strength of demand for U.S. Treasuries signals confidence in the stability of the U.S. financial system. Looking ahead, much will depend on how geopolitical tensions, interest rate policies, and fiscal decisions unfold. For now, the record level of foreign Treasury holdings suggests that, even as some major players step back, the world still views U.S. government debt as a central pillar of global finance.