President Donald Trump has endorsed both Republican candidates in the South Carolina governor’s race, as announced on Friday (June 19). In a post on Truth Social, Trump expressed his support for both South Carolina Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette and Attorney General Alan Wilson, saying he “can’t hurt one of them by only Endorsing the other.” The two candidates are heading to a runoff next Tuesday (June 23).
Trump’s initial endorsement of Evette came in late May, ahead of the June 9 primary, where she finished first but did not secure a majority. Evette received less than 30% of the vote, narrowly leading Wilson by about three percentage points. In the days following the primary, Wilson gained endorsements from former opponents, including Reps. Nancy Mace and Ralph Norman, as well as South Carolina Senator Tim Scott.
Wilson expressed gratitude for Trump’s endorsement, highlighting his history of defending Trump’s agenda as Attorney General. “When President Trump needed fighters, I was in the fight,” Wilson wrote on X. Evette, in response to Trump’s dual endorsement, stated on X, “I was proud to come in first as President @realDonaldTrump’s endorsed candidate for Governor on June 9th.”
Trump’s move to endorse both candidates comes after recent setbacks in other gubernatorial races, including defeats in Iowa and Georgia. His decision mirrors a similar tactic used in the 2022 Missouri GOP Senate primary, where he endorsed both candidates named Eric.
The runoff election in South Carolina will determine which candidate will secure the Republican nomination for governor. Trump’s dual endorsement ensures his support for the eventual nominee, regardless of the outcome.
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