President Donald Trump made a significant move in the South Carolina Republican gubernatorial runoff by endorsing both Attorney General Alan Wilson and Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette. Previously, Trump solely backed Evette ahead of the June 9 primary.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump praised both candidates for their careers and commitment to the ‘MAGA and America First’ agenda. Trump expressed his support for both by stating, ‘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.’
Shortly after Trump’s announcement, Evette expressed her gratitude on X, highlighting her first-place finish in the primary as a Trump-endorsed candidate and urging voters to participate in the upcoming runoff.
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!— Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette
Democratic former state Representative Mandy Powers Norrell commented that Trump’s endorsement of Wilson was expected due to Wilson’s growing momentum in the race. She emphasized the importance of voting, despite the dual endorsement being perceived as a potential setback for Evette’s campaign.
Amid the ongoing primary season, Trump’s endorsement has yielded mixed results. His supported candidates, Senator Bill Cassidy and Representative Thomas Massie, lost their races. In Iowa, Trump’s endorsee Representative Randy Feenstra also faced a defeat against Zach Lahn.
The runoff between Evette and Wilson is seen as a testing ground for Trump’s influence within the Republican primary landscape, but Trump’s support for both candidates ensures a favorable outcome for him regardless of who wins.
What the Polls Show
Recent polling by JMC Analytics and Polling indicates that 59 percent support Wilson in the runoff, compared to Evette’s 25 percent. About 16 percent remain undecided. The poll’s forced ballot scenario gives Wilson 63 percent and Evette 28 percent, with 9 percent undecided. This survey included 500 respondents from June 13-15 with a margin of error of 4.38 percent.
An earlier Trafalgar Group poll conducted before the June 9 primary showed Evette leading with 22.4 percent and Wilson closely trailing at 20.7 percent. This poll had 1,200 likely Republican primary voters from June 5-7 and a margin of error of 2.9 percent.
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