In a development that might alter the dynamics of the South Carolina Republican gubernatorial runoff, President Donald Trump delivered an uncommon dual endorsement last Friday. His support now extends to both Attorney General Alan Wilson and Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette. Previously, Trump’s approval was solely behind Evette ahead of the state’s June 9 primary. Newsweek contacted Wilson’s campaign via email on Friday for a statement.
Key Details
Trump, through a post on Truth Social on Friday, praised Evette and Wilson, who are contending to succeed the outgoing Governor Henry McMaster, stating that they “have had amazing careers, and have been with me from the beginning,” emphasizing that they adhere to “MAGA and America First all the way.”
“These were the two that I was hoping would get into a Runoff, and they did,” Trump expressed. “I can’t hurt one of them by only Endorsing the other, so, therefore, I am going to Endorse, for Governor of South Carolina, both Pam Evette and Alan Wilson! It’s a Wealth of Riches – With either one you can’t go wrong. Vote for Pam or Alan — They will not let you down! President DONALD J. TRUMP.”
Within 15 minutes of Trump’s post, Evette acknowledged the endorsement on X, highlighting her prior primary success as a Trump-endorsed candidate. She stated, “I was proud to come in first as President @realDonaldTrump’s endorsed candidate for Governor on June 9th. Looking forward to doing it again on June 23rd. Get out and vote on Tuesday, and let’s Keep South Carolina Winning!” Evette’s campaign directed commentary requests from Newsweek toward her X statement.
Former state Representative Mandy Powers Norrell, a Democrat, commented on Facebook regarding Trump’s endorsement of Wilson, indicating that “Trump does not want to be with the losing candidate,” considering Wilson’s momentum. “This is a big blow to the Evette campaign. But people still need to vote,” she noted.
Trump’s endorsement record this midterm and primary season has been mixed. Senator Bill Cassidy from Louisiana and Representative Thomas Massie from Kentucky, both backed by Trump, lost their races. Similarly, in Iowa’s GOP primary for governor, Representative Randy Feenstra conceded to Zach Lahn, a businessman and farmer, marking the first loss for a Trump-backed candidate this election cycle.
The runoff between Evette and Wilson was anticipated to test Trump’s sway in Republican primaries. However, the dual endorsement places him in a favorable position, regardless of the outcome.
Trump secured victory in South Carolina during the 2024 presidential election with 58.2 percent of the vote, overshadowing then-Vice President Kamala Harris’ 40.4 percent.
Current Polls
A survey by JMC Analytics and Polling reveals that 59 percent favor Wilson in the runoff against 25 percent for Evette, leaving 16 percent undecided. A forced ballot scenario shows Wilson at 63 percent and Evette at 28 percent, with 9 percent still undecided. This survey involved 500 respondents from June 13-15, with a margin of error of 4.38 percent.
Earlier, a Trafalgar Group poll conducted before the June 9 primary placed Evette ahead of a crowded field with 22.4 percent, followed by Wilson at 20.7 percent. Other candidates included Rom Reddy with 17.5 percent; Representative Ralph Norman at 15.9 percent, and Representative Nancy Mace at 13.9 percent. Jacqueline Dubose, a decertified candidate, had 0.5 percent, and South Carolina State Senator Josh Kimbrell had 0.6 percent, while 8.3 percent remained undecided. This poll surveyed 1,200 likely Republican primary voters from June 5-7, with a margin of error of 2.9 percent.