Trump Issues Dual Endorsement in South Carolina Gubernatorial Runoff

President Donald Trump has issued a dual endorsement in the South Carolina Republican gubernatorial runoff. He supports both Attorney General Alan Wilson and Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette. Trump initially backed Evette ahead of the state’s June 9 primary.

On Friday, Trump announced his decision on Truth Social. He praised both candidates as having “amazing careers” and being committed to “MAGA and America First.” Trump expressed his hope for both Evette and Wilson to make it to the runoff.

“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!” Trump said, suggesting voters would not be let down by either candidate.

Following Trump’s announcement, Evette posted on X. She highlighted her achievement of finishing first in the primary with Trump’s endorsement. Evette encouraged voters to participate in the upcoming runoff on June 23.

Former State Representative Mandy Powers Norrell commented that Trump’s endorsement of Wilson was expected due to Wilson’s growing momentum. She pointed out the potential impact on Evette’s campaign but emphasized the importance of voting.

During the primary season, Trump’s endorsements have shown mixed outcomes. Notably, candidates endorsed by Trump have sometimes lost, as seen with Senator Bill Cassidy and Representative Thomas Massie. In Iowa, a Trump-endorsed candidate faced defeat in a gubernatorial primary.

The runoff between Evette and Wilson represents a chance to evaluate Trump’s influence in Republican primaries. With Trump’s backing of both contenders, he stands to maintain a favorable position regardless of the outcome.

What the Polls Indicate

A survey conducted by JMC Analytics and Polling indicates that 59 percent of voters would choose Wilson in the runoff, while 25 percent favor Evette. The poll shows 16 percent remain undecided. When forced to choose, 63 percent favor Wilson, compared to 28 percent for Evette, with 9 percent undecided. This survey included 500 participants from June 13-15, with a margin of error of 4.38 percent.

Before the June 9 primary, a poll from Trafalgar Group revealed Evette leading with 22.4 percent in a crowded field, with Wilson at 20.7 percent. Other candidates included Rom Reddy, Representative Ralph Norman, and Representative Nancy Mace. The survey, conducted with 1,200 likely Republican primary voters from June 5-7, had a 2.9 percent margin of error.