COLUMBIA, S.C. – President Donald Trump changed his tune Friday heading into South Carolina’s runoff next week, saying either Republican contender for governor — not just Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, whom he endorsed before the primary earlier this month — would be a good pick.
On his Truth Social platform, Trump praised both Evette and state Attorney General Alan Wilson, writing: “Both have had amazing careers, and have been with me from the beginning. They are MAGA and America First all the way!” This dual endorsement marks a strategic pivot for Trump, as he seeks to solidify his influence in a primary season that has recently seen some of his endorsed candidates struggle.
The former president previously gave Evette his “Complete and Total Endorsement,” emphasizing that a “BIG added plus” for her campaign could have been Henry McMaster Jr. — the son of the current governor and a close ally. However, McMaster Jr. indicated he would not consider the vice-presidential position alongside Evette. In a show of confidence, Evette shared on social media: “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.”
Wilson, in response to Trump’s endorsement, expressed his gratitude, stating on social media, “I am honored to have the endorsement of President Donald J. Trump.” He quickly followed up with a news release highlighting his previous legal efforts supporting Trump’s policies, including those on birthright citizenship, a contentious issue yet to be ruled on by the U.S. Supreme Court.
Shortly after Trump’s announcement, South Carolina Senator Tim Scott publicly backed Wilson, predicting he would “lead with humility, courage, and an optimistic vision for our state.” According to a source familiar with Scott’s sentiments, he has been actively supporting Wilson through fundraising efforts and encouraging Trump’s endorsement.
While Evette has touted Trump’s endorsement as a “golden ticket” for Republican candidates in South Carolina, the outcomes in other gubernatorial races have been mixed. Notably, Trump-endorsed candidates in Iowa and Georgia faced defeats earlier this month, raising questions about the effectiveness of his endorsements this election cycle.
Notably, Trump has previously issued dual endorsements in a primary context. For instance, before a contentious 2022 U.S. Senate primary in Missouri, he endorsed “ERIC,” allowing both candidates, former Governor Eric Greitens and Attorney General Eric Schmitt, to claim the endorsement. Ultimately, Schmitt won the nomination and the seat.
As Trump continues to navigate his endorsements for the upcoming elections, he has also been active in supporting Republican candidates for governor across the country. Most notably, his endorsements have seen varied success. For example, biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy and U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville both received Trump’s backing early in their respective campaigns and went on to dominate their primaries. In contrast, other candidates, such as Georgia’s Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, lost to opponents who were not endorsed by Trump.
Despite the ups and downs of Trump’s endorsements, the political landscape remains fluid as South Carolina prepares for its runoff. The outcomes may significantly impact Trump’s perceived influence within the Republican Party as he continues to shape the future of the GOP leading into the next election cycle.
For further updates, follow Meg Kinnard at http://x.com/MegKinnardAP.
