Trump Backs Pamela Evette in South Carolina’s GOP Gubernatorial Primary

On Friday, former President Donald Trump announced his endorsement of Pamela Evette, South Carolina’s lieutenant governor, in the state’s GOP gubernatorial primary. Evette faces U.S. Congresswoman Nancy Mace and other candidates in the race.

Recent polling data shows Evette leading the field, while earlier in the year, Mace held a lead. Trump has previously endorsed against Mace but supported her 2024 reelection campaign, describing her as a “strong conservative voice.” On Truth Social, Trump praised Evette as a “Highly Respected and very popular Lieutenant Governor of South Carolina” who has consistently supported his vision from the beginning.

“Pam has my Complete and Total Endorsement — SHE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN! A BIG added plus for Pam is that, I hear, Henry McMaster, Jr., the brilliant and very competent son of Henry and Peggy, will be running with her as the next Lieutenant Governor. I LOVE SOUTH CAROLINA!” — President DONALD J. TRUMP

Newsweek contacted Mace’s campaign on Friday night for comment but had not received a response at the time of reporting.

Candidate Reactions

Evette expressed gratitude for Trump’s support, stating on X, “Thank you President @realDonaldTrump. Your walk down that golden escalator is what propelled me into politics. You showed what a businessperson can do to make America Great Again. I am incredibly grateful for your support and will never let you down.”

While Mace supported Trump for his 2024 presidential bid, she has criticized the Department of Justice’s handling of the Epstein files. On X, Mace responded to Trump’s endorsement of Evette, expressing respect for Trump’s contributions to the country and South Carolina. Mace highlighted her demand for transparency about the Epstein files as a potential risk to securing an endorsement.

“South Carolina deserves a Governor who answers to her people, not to the establishment, and not to anyone who believes accountability is negotiable,” Mace emphasized.

Current Poll Standings

A survey by the Trafalgar Group indicates Evette leads with 19.9% support, with Attorney General Alan Wilson close behind at 19.4%, followed by businessman Rom Reddy at 19%. Congressman Ralph Norman has 15.9%, Mace holds 14.6%, decertified candidate Jacqueline Dubose has 3.2%, and State Senator Josh Kimbrell has 2.3%. The poll reveals that 5.6% of respondents are undecided. This survey was conducted from May 21 to May 24, sampling 1,125 likely Republican primary voters, and has a margin of error of 2.9%.

An earlier co/efficient poll from the end of April placed Evette in the lead with 21%. Wilson followed at 18%, Norman at 13%, Mace at 12%, Reddy at 11%, Kimbrell at 2%, and 22% were undecided. This poll surveyed 813 likely Republican primary voters from April 29 to April 30, with a margin of error of 3.44%. Notably, Mace experienced a drop of 5% as Evette gained 2% compared to an earlier survey conducted at the end of March.

In a March poll by co/efficient, Mace scored 22% while Evette had 21%, Wilson 19%, Norman 8%, Kimbrell 1%, with 29% undecided. This survey was taken among 810 likely Republican primary voters on March 12 and March 13, and had a margin of error of 3.43%.