Full Breakdown
Trump Issues Dual Endorsement in South Carolina Gubernatorial Runoff
6/20/2026, 4:37:09 AM
Dual Endorsement
On June 19, 2026 former President Donald Trump used Truth Social to endorse Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette and Attorney General Alan Wilson for governor, calling the choice a “wealth of riches” and saying voters “can’t go wrong” with either.
Background & Context
The June 9 primary produced no majority, sending the top two finishers—Evette with about 29 % and Wilson with roughly 26 %—to a June 23 runoff. The field also included Rep. Nancy Mace, Rep. Ralph Norman and businessman Rom Reddy.
Key Figures & Support
- Pamela Evette – Lt. Gov., backed by Gov. Henry McMaster, Treasurer Curtis Loftis, and 30 lawmakers.
- Alan Wilson – Attorney General, supported by 48 lawmakers, rivals Josh Kimbrell, Nancy Mace, Ralph Norman, and U.S. Sen. Tim Scott.
- Donald Trump – Former president, primary influencer now hedging his influence.
- Tim Scott – U.S. Senator, endorsed Wilson after Trump’s post.
Timeline
- May 29, 2026 – Trump endorses Evette.
- June 19, 2026 – Trump adds Wilson, creating a dual endorsement; Sen. Tim Scott then backs Wilson.
- June 23, 2026 – Runoff decides the Republican nominee.
Data & Statistics
A JMC Analytics poll (June 13-15) of 500 respondents gave Wilson 59 % support, Evette 25 % and 16 % undecided (±4.38 %). A Trafalgar poll before the primary showed Evette at 22.4 % and Wilson at 20.7 %. Early voting recorded 72,500 ballots.
Why It Matters
South Carolina has not elected a Democratic governor since 1994; the runoff winner will become the GOP nominee against Rep. Jermaine Johnson in November. Trump’s dual endorsement tests his influence after primary losses in Iowa and Georgia.
Official Statements & Responses
Trump called candidates “MAGA and America First.” Wilson said he was “honored,” Evette said she was proud to be Trump’s endorsed candidate, and Scott called Wilson’s “deep faith, strong character, and unwavering conviction.”
Criticism & Opposition
Democratic commentator Mandy Powers Norrell called the Wilson endorsement “bound to happen,” implying Trump protects his political capital. Analysts cite recent defeats of Trump-backed candidates as evidence of waning influence.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The JMC Analytics poll shows a decisive Wilson lead, while the earlier Trafalgar poll indicated a narrow Evette advantage; differing methodologies leave the exact voter preference uncertain.
Verbatim Quotes
- “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!” — Donald Trump, former President.
- “It’s a Wealth of Riches – With either one you can’t go wrong.” — Donald Trump, former President.
- “I am honored to have the endorsement of President Donald J. Trump.” — Alan Wilson, Attorney General.
- “I was proud to come in first as President @realDonaldTrump’s endorsed candidate for Governor on June 9th. Looking forward to doing it again on June 23rd.” — Pamela Evette, Lt. Gov.
What’s Next
The June 23 runoff will determine the Republican nominee, after which the winner will face Jermaine Johnson in the November gubernatorial election, providing a final test of Trump’s endorsement strategy.
