President Donald Trump has endorsed both Republican candidates in the South Carolina gubernatorial runoff, a rare move that could reshape the final days of the race. Trump announced his dual endorsement on Truth Social, supporting both Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette and Attorney General Alan Wilson ahead of the June 23 runoff.
Immediate Action & Core Facts
Trump initially endorsed Evette in late May, just before the primary. However, in a Truth Social post on Friday, he expanded his endorsement to include Wilson, stating that both candidates are "MAGA and America First all the way!" He explained that he couldn't hurt one by only endorsing the other, calling it a "Wealth of Riches."
Deeper Dive & Context
Evette finished first in the June 9 primary but secured less than 30% of the vote, with Wilson trailing by just 3 points. Since the primary, Wilson has gained momentum, picking up endorsements from former opponents Reps. Nancy Mace and Ralph Norman. Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., also endorsed Wilson shortly after Trump's announcement.
Trump's move comes after recent primary setbacks in Iowa and Georgia, where his endorsed candidates lost. In Iowa, Rep. Randy Feenstra was narrowly defeated by Zach Lahn, while in Georgia, billionaire Rick Jackson won the runoff over Trump-backed Lt. Gov. Burt Jones.
Campaign Momentum and Early Voting
Early voting numbers in the runoff have been solid, with strong turnout in key counties. Both Evette and Wilson held campaign events in the Upstate, including rallies and meet-and-greet sessions. The winner will face Democrat Jermaine Johnson in the general election.
Historical Context
This is not the first time Trump has endorsed multiple candidates in the same race. In 2022, he endorsed two candidates named Eric in Missouri's Republican Senate primary, leading to confusion and claims by both candidates.
Candidate Reactions
Evette expressed pride in being the first name listed in Trump's endorsement, while Wilson called it an honor. Trump concluded his post by urging voters to support either candidate, stating they "will not let you down."
Policy and Implications
The runoff is seen as a test of Trump's influence in Republican primaries. His dual endorsement could signal a shift in strategy, particularly after recent losses. The race also highlights the competitive nature of the South Carolina GOP, with both candidates positioning themselves as strong Trump allies.