President Donald Trump has endorsed South Carolina Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette in the state’s closely watched Republican gubernatorial primary, delivering one of the most sought-after endorsements in a crowded race to succeed term-limited Governor Henry McMaster. (WCIV)
The endorsement, announced through President Trump’s Truth Social platform, comes just days before South Carolina Republicans head to the polls in a competitive primary contest featuring several high-profile candidates, including Attorney General Alan Wilson, Representative Nancy Mace, Representative Ralph Norman, State Senator Josh Kimbrell, and businessman Rom Reddy. (WCIV)
President Trump Calls Evette a “Winner”
In his endorsement message, President Trump praised Evette as a loyal ally and supporter of his political movement.
“Pam Evette is a good friend, fighter, and WINNER, and will be a terrific Governor of South Carolina,” President Trump wrote, adding that she had his “Complete and Total Endorsement.” (https://www.wrdw.com)
The president also highlighted Evette’s early support for his 2024 presidential campaign and her efforts campaigning on his behalf across South Carolina. He further noted that Governor McMaster’s son, Henry McMaster Jr., may join the ticket as Evette’s running mate, describing it as an additional strength for the campaign. (AP News)
A Major Boost in a Crowded Republican Contest
For months, candidates competing in the Republican primary have sought President Trump’s backing, viewing it as potentially decisive in one of the nation’s most Republican-leaning states. Political observers had speculated that President Trump might avoid choosing sides because several candidates in the race have strong ties to his political movement. (Courthouse News)
Evette entered the governor’s race in 2025 after serving two terms as lieutenant governor alongside Governor McMaster, one of President Trump’s earliest and most loyal political supporters. Earlier this year, McMaster formally endorsed Evette’s candidacy, fueling speculation that a Trump endorsement could follow. (AP News)
The lieutenant governor has frequently highlighted her relationship with President Trump throughout the campaign, featuring photographs and appearances connected to the president in campaign materials. (AP News)
Rivals Respond to the Endorsement
The endorsement immediately triggered responses from Evette’s Republican opponents.
Attorney General Alan Wilson congratulated Evette while emphasizing his own record supporting President Trump’s agenda. Wilson stated that few South Carolina officials had “fought harder” for the president and indicated he would continue pressing his case to Republican voters. (https://www.wrdw.com)
Representative Nancy Mace also responded publicly, releasing campaign statements and highlighting her own relationship with President Trump. Mace has positioned herself as one of the most prominent candidates in the race and has sought to appeal strongly to conservative voters. (https://www.wistv.com)
Representative Ralph Norman and other candidates continue campaigning aggressively as the primary approaches, with analysts suggesting that the endorsement could significantly reshape late voter decisions. (Courthouse News)
South Carolina Remains a Republican Stronghold
South Carolina has not elected a Democratic governor since 1998 and remains one of the Republican Party’s strongest states nationally. Republicans currently control nearly all statewide offices and maintain dominant majorities in the state legislature. (Wikipedia)
Because of that political landscape, many analysts view the Republican primary as effectively determining the favorite for the general election. The race has become one of the most expensive and competitive gubernatorial contests in recent South Carolina history, with leading candidates collectively raising millions of dollars. (Courthouse News)
Trump Continues to Shape Republican Primaries
The South Carolina endorsement is part of a broader effort by President Trump to influence key Republican gubernatorial contests across the country.
On the same day, President Trump also endorsed candidates in Iowa and Oklahoma gubernatorial primaries, reinforcing his continuing role as the dominant figure within Republican politics. (AP News)
Political strategists say the endorsement demonstrates that candidates in many Republican primaries still view President Trump’s support as one of the most valuable assets available in modern GOP politics. Whether Evette can fully convert that endorsement into victory will become clear when South Carolina voters cast their ballots in the coming days. (Courthouse News)
Sources
- Associated Press
- ABC News 4 South Carolina
- Courthouse News Service
- WIS-TV
- WYFF News 4
- South Carolina Election Records
Editor: Sudhir Choudhary
Tags: Pamela Evette, Donald Trump, South Carolina Governor Race, Republican Party, South Carolina Politics, Henry McMaster, Nancy Mace, Alan Wilson, 2026 Elections
News by The Vagabond News.
