Trump Endorses 2 South Carolina Runoff Candidates After Evette Fails to Win Outright
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Jun 19
Trump Endorses 2 South Carolina Runoff Candidates After Evette Fails to Win Outright
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Jun 19
Summary
Trump on Friday backed both Pamela Evette and Alan Wilson in South Carolina’s Republican gubernatorial runoff, an unusual split endorsement after first supporting Evette alone last month.
Evette’s failure to avoid a runoff prompted the shift; Trump said he did not want to hurt either candidate by endorsing only one.
Wilson, South Carolina’s attorney general for 15 years, had already led Evette in several polls before Tuesday’s election, and Trump’s added support could strengthen that advantage.
The move also highlights weaker traction for Trump’s endorsements in governor’s races this cycle, even as they have remained influential in many Senate and House primaries.
How do presidential endorsements weigh against local issues and candidate polling in runoff elections?
What does a shift from a dual to single endorsement reveal about evolving campaign strategies?
Trump’s Double Endorsement Shakes Up 2026 South Carolina GOP Gubernatorial Runoff
Overview
South Carolina’s Republican gubernatorial runoff has become a major test of political influence, featuring Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette and Attorney General Alan Wilson. The race is shaped by the high stakes of former President Trump’s endorsement, which has played a decisive role in recent primaries and is now under close scrutiny in this contest. Both candidates are working to consolidate support, with Wilson gaining key local endorsements and Evette leveraging Trump’s backing. The outcome will not only determine the party’s nominee but also reveal whether national endorsements or local alliances hold more sway in South Carolina’s GOP politics.