Trump Endorses Evette in S. Carolina Governor's Race, Shaking Up Crowded Primary
"She is a very successful businesswoman, a wonderful Lieutenant Governor, and an America First Patriot!" — President Donald Trump
President Donald Trump formally endorsed Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette in the South Carolina gubernatorial primary on Friday, injecting his influence into a multi-candidate race that polls show is still largely up for grabs.
Evette leads a tight pack. According to a recent Trafalgar Group poll, Evette holds a slim lead at 19.9%, with Attorney General Alan Wilson (19.4%) and businessman Rom Reddy (19%) close behind. Representative Nancy Mace trails with 14.6%, followed by other candidates and 5.6% of voters undecided.
In his endorsement on Truth Social, Trump framed Evette as a loyal ally who backed him early. He also announced that Lt. Gov. Henry McMaster Jr.—the son of the current governor—would run as Evette's lieutenant governor candidate. Evette responded on X, noting that Trump’s 2015 campaign entry first motivated her to enter politics.
The endorsement places Trump’s weight against Nancy Mace, who has previously supported the former president but recently broke with him over the Department of Justice’s handling of the Epstein files. Mace said she respects Trump but emphasized the need for accountability, suggesting her push for transparency may have cost her the endorsement.
Polls show a fragmented field. With a 22% undecided rate in one survey, the race remains fluid as the primary approaches.
Polling Summary
- Trafalgar Group (May 21-24): Evette 19.9%, Wilson 19.4%, Reddy 19%, Norman 15.9%, Mace 14.6%, Dubose 3.2%, Kimbrell 2.3%, undecided 5.6%
- co/efficient (April 29-30): Evette 21%, Wilson 18%, Norman 13%, Mace 12%, Reddy 11%, Kimbrell 2%, undecided 22%