President Donald Trump announced his support for Pamela Evette, South Carolina’s Lieutenant Governor, in her contest against U.S. Congresswoman Nancy Mace and other contenders before the state’s GOP gubernatorial primary. Recent polls indicate Evette leading, while earlier in the year, polls showed Mace ahead. Trump, previously opposed to Mace, supported her 2024 reelection, calling her a ‘strong conservative voice.’
On Truth Social, Trump expressed his backing for Evette. He described her as an ‘America First Patriot’ who supported him from the beginning of his campaign. He applauded her unwavering commitment and noted that she was the first gubernatorial candidate in South Carolina to endorse his 2024 presidential campaign.
“Pam has my Complete and Total Endorsement — SHE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN! A BIG added plus for Pam is that, I hear, Henry McMaster, Jr., the brilliant and very competent son of Henry and Peggy, will be running with her as the next Lieutenant Governor. I LOVE SOUTH CAROLINA! President DONALD J. TRUMP.”
Newsweek contacted Mace’s campaign for comments but received no immediate response.
Reactions and Responses
Evette thanked Trump on X, acknowledging his role in her political journey and expressing her gratitude for his endorsement. She stated her commitment not to disappoint.
Mace responded on X, expressing her respect for Trump and his contributions to the nation and South Carolina. She emphasized her commitment to transparency regarding the Epstein files, suggesting it has affected the prospects of Trump’s endorsement. Mace stated South Carolina needs a governor accountable to the people, not the establishment.
Poll Insights
The Trafalgar Group’s survey positioned Evette at 19.9 percent, slightly ahead of Attorney General Alan Wilson at 19.4 percent. Businessman Rom Reddy followed with 19 percent, Congressman Ralph Norman with 15.9 percent, and Mace with 14.6 percent. Jacqueline Dubose and Senator Josh Kimbrell had 3.2 percent and 2.3 percent, respectively. The poll conducted between May 21 and May 24 involved 1,125 likely Republican primary voters, with a 2.9 percent margin of error.
A poll by co/efficient at the end of April showed Evette leading with 21 percent. Wilson followed with 18 percent, Norman with 13 percent, Mace with 12 percent, and Reddy with 11 percent. Kimbrell had 2 percent, and 22 percent were undecided. Conducted among 813 likely Republican primary voters on April 29 and 30, the poll had a 3.44 percent margin of error. It noted Mace’s drop of 5 percent and Evette’s gain of 2 percent from a previous survey.
Earlier in March, another co/efficient poll showed Mace with 22 percent and Evette at 21 percent, with Wilson at 19 percent, Norman at 8 percent, Kimbrell at 1 percent, and 29 percent undecided. Conducted on March 12 and 13, involving 810 likely Republican primary voters, it had a 3.43 percent margin of error.