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Trump Endorses Both, Wilson Wins SC Runoff 66%

6/24/2026

39 6 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump gave a rare dual endorsement of both South Carolina Republican gubernatorial runoff candidates before the June 23 vote.
Attorney General Alan Wilson beat Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette in the runoff, leading with about 66 % of votes when the AP called the race at 7:29 p.m.
Attorney General Alan Wilson, endorsed by Sen. Tim Scott and state lawmakers, will face Democratic Rep. Jermaine Johnson in the November 3 general election.

History

Historical Context

In the 1978 South Carolina gubernatorial election, Democrat Richard Riley defeated Republican Edward Lunn Young, returning the governorship to the Democratic Party. Decades later, Donald Trump’s endorsement of GOP primary candidates in June 2024 helped Attorney General Alan Wilson win the runoff, highlighting how high-profile endorsements continue to shape South Carolina’s partisan landscape.

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Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump gave a rare dual endorsement of both South Carolina Republican gubernatorial runoff candidates before the June 23 vote.
Attorney General Alan Wilson beat Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette in the runoff, leading with about 66 % of votes when the AP called the race at 7:29 p.m.
Attorney General Alan Wilson, endorsed by Sen. Tim Scott and state lawmakers, will face Democratic Rep. Jermaine Johnson in the November 3 general election.

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