Trump endorsement shapes South Carolina and Iowa GOP primaries for Pamela Evette and Randy Feenstra

President Donald Trump backed two Republican candidates for governor on Friday. The endorsements covered South Carolina and Iowa, as both states near primary votes. Trump used separate social media posts to support South Carolina Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette and Iowa Rep. Randy Feenstra. The contests have put party allies on opposite sides while seeking the party leader’s approval.

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The two primaries are scheduled on different dates. Iowa’s primary is on Tuesday, while South Carolina’s is on June 9. Both races are among the first competitive Republican gubernatorial primaries in years. Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds and South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster have each held office for about a decade.

Trump endorsement in South Carolina gubernatorial primary

Evette has served two terms as Henry McMaster’s lieutenant governor. McMaster was among Trump’s earliest supporters in Trump’s first presidential run. Earlier in 2025, McMaster endorsed Evette as the next governor. That move led some Republicans to expect Trump may also back Evette in the primary.

Trump praised Evette and spoke warmly about South Carolina in the post. Trump noted that Evette campaigned for Trump in 2024. Trump also wrote, "A BIG added plus for her campaign is that Henry McMaster Jr -- the sitting governors son -- may be Evettes running mate.\" In South Carolina, the fight for Trump’s support has been central in the race.

Evette is seeking the Republican nomination against several statewide and federal figures. The field includes Rep. Nancy Mace, Rep. Ralph Norman and state Attorney General Alan Wilson. The state is strongly Republican in general elections. That reality has placed added focus on the primary and on which candidate gains Trump’s backing.

Trump endorsement in Iowa gubernatorial primary

Trump also endorsed Feenstra in a separate message. Trump described Feenstra as \"MAGA all the way\" in the post. Trump said Feenstra would fight for Iowa on the economy. Trump also listed border security and support of law enforcement as priorities.

Feenstra is one of five Republicans running in Iowa’s primary. The race is to replace Kim Reynolds, who chose not to seek a third term. The other candidates are state Rep. Eddie Andrews and businessman Zach Lahn. The field also includes former state Rep. Brad Sherman and Adam Steen.

Both Evette and Feenstra had openly sought Trump’s support before Friday. Feenstra said earlier in 2025 that Feenstra asked Trump for an endorsement. Much of Evette’s campaign messaging used photos showing Evette standing with Trump. The candidates hoped the backing would matter in states that helped Trump return in 2024.

With inputs from PTI