South Carolina governor runoff: Trump praises Evette and Wilson ahead of vote

Donald Trump adjusted the message on 20 June before South Carolina’s Republican runoff. Trump said either contender for governor could be a strong choice. Trump had backed Lt Gov Pamela Evette earlier this month. The runoff is set for 23 June and includes state Attorney General Alan Wilson.

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On Truth Social, Trump praised both candidates and highlighted long support. Trump wrote: "Both have had amazing careers, and have been with me from the beginning. They are MAGA and America First all the way!\" The shift suggested caution after some endorsed candidates lost key races this month.

Donald Trump endorsement in South Carolina governor runoff

Trump earlier gave Evette his \"Complete and Total Endorsement.\" Trump also said: \"A BIG added plus for her campaign is that Henry McMaster Jr – the son of the current governor, a close ally – may be Evettes running mate.\" The 38-year-old lawyer later said Henry McMaster Jr would not be considered.

Evette referred to Trump’s support as a major advantage in South Carolina politics. On social media on Friday, Evette posted: \"I was proud to come in first as President @realDonaldTrumps endorsed candidate for Governor on June 9th. Looking forward to doing it again on June 23rd.\" The post linked Trump’s backing to the earlier primary result.

Wilson also pointed to Trump’s support in a separate message. Wilson said in a social media post Friday, \"I am honoured to have the endorsement of President Donald J Trump.\" Trump’s broader praise created room for both campaigns. It also left unclear whether Trump still preferred one candidate.

Donald Trump endorsement history of split signals

Trump has issued broad or shared support in past primaries. Before a 2022 Missouri US Senate primary, Trump endorsed \"ERIC\" during a contest between Eric Greitens and Eric Schmitt. Both candidates claimed the nod at the time. Schmitt later won the nomination and the Senate seat.

In Arizona, Trump has also used multiple endorsements in one governor race. In late 2024, Trump endorsed housing developer Karrin Taylor Robson. Some allies objected due to Robson’s ties to the party’s business wing. In April 2025, Trump added support for Republican Andy Biggs too.

Donald Trump endorsement record in 2026 governor primaries

Results for Trump’s 2026 primary picks have varied across states. In Ohio, biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy received early support and later dominated the primary. In Alabama, Senator Tommy Tuberville also gained Trump’s backing early. Tuberville then won strongly in the governor primary.

Other races have produced mixed outcomes for Trump-backed candidates. Former state senator Mike Mazzei, like Evette, got Trump’s support in Oklahoma. Mazzei advanced from a crowded field into an 25 August runoff. These races suggested Trump’s influence still mattered in some states.

Trump-backed candidates have also fallen short in several contests. In Georgia, billionaire healthcare tycoon Rick Jackson spent more than USD 100 million, mostly personal funds. Jackson won the Republican nomination over Trump’s pick, Lt Gov Burt Jones. In Iowa, Randy Feenstra lost to businessman Zach Lahn.

Trump’s latest South Carolina message came as these wins and losses shaped views of influence. Evette and Wilson both used Trump’s words in their public posts. The 23 June runoff will decide the nominee. It will also test how voters respond to Trump’s shared praise.

With inputs from PTI