Trump’s Dual Endorsement in South Carolina Runoff

In an unexpected move that could influence the final stage of the South Carolina Republican gubernatorial runoff, President Donald Trump issued a dual endorsement, supporting both Attorney General Alan Wilson and Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette on Friday. Previously, Trump had exclusively endorsed Evette before the June 9 primary.

Trump announced his endorsement via a post on Truth Social, where he praised Evette and Wilson for their impressive careers and loyalty. He described both as embodying the ‘MAGA and America First’ philosophy. Trump stated, “These were the two that I was hoping would get into a Runoff, and they did. I can’t hurt one of them by only Endorsing the other, so, therefore, I am going to Endorse, for Governor of South Carolina, both Pam Evette and Alan Wilson! It’s a Wealth of Riches – With either one you can’t go wrong. Vote for Pam or Alan — They will not let you down! President DONALD J. TRUMP.”

Shortly after Trump’s message, Evette highlighted on X her achievement of securing the top position in the primary as Trump’s endorsed candidate. Evette expressed confidence about performing well again in the runoff on June 23. “Get out and vote on Tuesday, and let’s Keep South Carolina Winning!” she urged.

Newsweek contacted Wilson’s campaign for a reaction to Trump’s endorsement on Friday but received no immediate response. Meanwhile, Evette’s campaign referred to her X post after being approached for comment.

Mandy Powers Norrell, a former state Representative and Democrat, observed on Facebook that Trump’s endorsement of Wilson was anticipated due to Wilson’s gaining momentum. Norrell remarked, “Trump does not want to be with the losing candidate,” and suggested that this development was a setback for Evette’s campaign but emphasized the importance of voting.

Trump’s influence in midterm and primary races has been mixed. In Louisiana, Senator Bill Cassidy, who Trump opposed, lost, as did Representative Thomas Massie in Kentucky. Earlier this month, Iowa’s GOP primary saw Trump’s endorsed candidate, Representative Randy Feenstra, lose to businessman Zach Lahn, highlighting a tough election cycle for Trump-backed candidates.

The Evette and Wilson runoff represents another test of Trump’s sway in Republican primaries. However, with the dual endorsement, Trump appears positioned for success regardless of the result.

In the 2024 presidential election, Trump secured victory in South Carolina, receiving 58.2 percent of the votes, against then-Vice President Kamala Harris who garnered 40.4 percent.

What the Polls Show

According to a JMC Analytics and Polling survey, Wilson is leading with 59 percent support, compared to Evette’s 25 percent, leaving 16 percent undecided. When forced to choose, Wilson’s support rises to 63 percent versus Evette’s 28 percent, with 9 percent undecided. This survey conducted between June 13-15 sampled 500 respondents and has a margin of error of 4.38 percent.

In a separate Trafalgar Group poll conducted just before the June 9 primary, Evette was ahead in a crowded field with 22.4 percent, while Wilson had 20.7 percent. Other candidates included businessman Rom Reddy with 17.5 percent and Representative Ralph Norman at 15.9 percent. The poll surveyed 1,200 likely Republican primary voters from June 5-7, with a margin of error of 2.9 percent.