Trump Backs Evette and Wilson in South Carolina GOP Governor Runoff/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Donald Trump said both Republican candidates in South Carolina’s governor runoff would make strong governors. The president’s broadened endorsement comes after he initially backed Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette before the primary. The move highlights growing questions about Trump’s influence after several endorsed candidates lost recent gubernatorial primaries.
South Carolina Governor Runoff Quick Looks
- Trump praised both Pamela Evette and Alan Wilson.
- Evette previously received Trump’s exclusive endorsement.
- Wilson secured a key endorsement from Sen. Tim Scott.
- The runoff election is scheduled for June 23.
- Trump’s endorsement strategy has shifted in several governor races.
- Some Trump-backed candidates have won easily this year.
- Others have suffered notable primary defeats.
- South Carolina remains a closely watched Republican battleground.
- Wilson highlighted his legal support for Trump policies.
- The race has become a test of Trump’s political influence.
Deep Look
Trump Broadens Support Ahead of South Carolina Governor Runoff
President Donald Trump signaled a new approach to South Carolina’s Republican gubernatorial runoff on Friday, offering praise for both remaining candidates despite previously giving his exclusive endorsement to Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette.
In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump celebrated both Evette and South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson, describing them as longtime allies aligned with his political movement.
“Both have had amazing careers, and have been with me from the beginning. They are MAGA and America First all the way!”
The statement marked a notable shift from Trump’s earlier position. Before South Carolina’s June primary, he had awarded Evette what he described as his “Complete and Total Endorsement,” making her one of the highest-profile gubernatorial candidates backed by the president this election cycle.
A Strategic Shift During a Challenging Primary Season
Trump’s decision to embrace both candidates comes as several of his endorsed gubernatorial hopefuls have faced setbacks across the country.
While the president continues to wield significant influence within Republican politics, recent losses by some of his preferred candidates have prompted renewed debate about the strength of his endorsements as he moves deeper into his second term.
Political observers view the South Carolina runoff as another important test of Trump’s standing among Republican primary voters.
Evette finished first in the June primary and quickly highlighted Trump’s continued support.
“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.”
Her campaign has repeatedly pointed to Trump’s backing as a key advantage in a state where the president remains highly popular among Republican voters.
Wilson Claims Trump’s Support
Following Trump’s latest comments, Wilson also embraced the president’s remarks as an endorsement of his candidacy.
“I am honored to have the endorsement of President Donald J. Trump.”
Wilson then released a statement detailing his record supporting Trump administration priorities through legal actions and court filings.
Among the initiatives highlighted were briefs supporting policies related to immigration and birthright citizenship, issues that remain central to Trump’s political agenda.
Wilson has sought to position himself as a consistent defender of conservative causes during his tenure as attorney general.
Tim Scott Enters the Race
The runoff received another major development Friday when South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott publicly endorsed Wilson.
Scott described Wilson as a leader who would guide the state with integrity and optimism.
A person familiar with Scott’s efforts said the senator has actively supported Wilson behind the scenes through fundraising, outreach efforts, and discussions encouraging Trump to support the attorney general’s campaign.
Scott’s backing adds another influential voice to Wilson’s coalition as the runoff enters its final days.
A Rare Trump Double-Endorsement
Trump’s decision to praise both candidates is unusual but not unprecedented.
In Missouri’s 2022 U.S. Senate primary, Trump famously endorsed “ERIC” shortly before the election, allowing both former Gov. Eric Greitens and then-Attorney General Eric Schmitt to claim his support. Schmitt ultimately won both the primary and the general election.
A similar situation unfolded in Arizona, where Trump expressed support for multiple Republican gubernatorial contenders over the course of two years.
The South Carolina runoff now joins that list of races where Trump has chosen to avoid a firm choice between competing Republican candidates.
Mixed Results for Trump-Endorsed Governor Candidates
The 2026 gubernatorial cycle has produced a mixed record for Trump-backed candidates.
Some have enjoyed dominant victories. In Ohio, biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy secured an early Trump endorsement and cruised through the Republican primary. Alabama Sen. Tommy Tuberville experienced similar success after entering his state’s governor’s race with Trump’s support.
Other candidates have not fared as well.
In Georgia, billionaire healthcare executive Rick Jackson captured the Republican nomination despite Trump backing Lt. Gov. Burt Jones. In Iowa, Republican Congressman Randy Feenstra, another Trump-endorsed candidate, fell short in his bid for governor.
Those losses have fueled speculation about whether endorsements remain as decisive as they once were.
High Stakes in South Carolina
South Carolina’s runoff now carries significance beyond state politics.
The contest has become a closely watched measure of Republican voter sentiment and the continuing influence of Trump within GOP primaries.
Evette enters the runoff with the advantage of finishing first in the initial primary and retaining strong ties to the state’s Republican establishment. Wilson, meanwhile, has built momentum through support from influential conservatives, including Tim Scott.
With Trump now praising both contenders, Republican voters will ultimately decide which candidate advances without a clear signal from the president favoring one over the other.
The June 23 runoff will determine who becomes the Republican nominee in a state where the GOP remains heavily favored heading into the general election.
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