Trump Endorses Pamela Evette in South Carolina Gubernatorial Primary

On Friday, former President Donald Trump endorsed Pamela Evette, the lieutenant governor of South Carolina, in her race against U.S. Congresswoman Nancy Mace and other candidates ahead of the state’s GOP gubernatorial primary. Recent polls show Evette leading, reversing earlier trends that had Mace ahead.

Trump has previously opposed Mace but endorsed her reelection in 2024, praising her as a “strong conservative voice.” On Truth Social, Trump expressed his support for Evette, calling her an “America First Patriot.” He emphasized that Evette supported him from the start and was the first gubernatorial candidate from South Carolina to endorse his 2024 presidential campaign.

Trump added he fully supports Evette, mentioning Henry McMaster, Jr. as a prospective running mate for lieutenant governor. Trump concluded by expressing his affection for South Carolina.

“Highly Respected and very popular Lieutenant Governor of South Carolina, Pam Evette, is an America First Patriot who has been with me from the very beginning. She never wavered, never let me down, and was the only South Carolina Gubernatorial Candidate to Endorse me as soon as I launched my 2024 Presidential Campaign,” Trump stated.

“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!”

Newsweek attempted to contact Mace’s campaign for comment. Following Trump’s endorsement, Evette thanked him on X, previously Twitter, crediting him with her entry into politics and pledging her unwavering support.

“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.”

Mace, who supports Trump’s 2024 White House bid, has criticized the Department of Justice over the Epstein files. In her response to Trump backing Evette, Mace affirmed her respect for Trump and highlighted the importance of transparency regarding the Epstein files, noting it affected her endorsement prospects.

“I have enormous respect for President Trump and everything he has done for our country and for South Carolina. That respect is genuine and it is unchanged.”

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

Polling Results

In a survey by the Trafalgar Group, Evette leads with 19.9 percent, followed by Attorney General Alan Wilson with 19.4 percent, businessman Rom Reddy with 19 percent, Congressman Ralph Norman with 15.9 percent, Mace with 14.6 percent, decertified candidate Jacqueline Dubose with 3.2 percent, and State Senator Josh Kimbrell with 2.3 percent. The poll indicates 5.6 percent of voters are undecided. Conducted from May 21 to May 24 among 1,125 likely Republican primary voters, the poll has a margin of error of 2.9 percent.

Another poll by co/efficient at the end of April shows Evette in the lead with 21 percent, Wilson at 18 percent, Norman at 13 percent, Mace at 12 percent, Reddy at 11 percent, Kimbrell at 2 percent, and with 22 percent undecided. This poll, conducted on April 29 and April 30 among 813 likely Republican primary voters, had a margin of error of 3.44 percent. It noted a 5 percent drop for Mace and a 2 percent rise for Evette compared to their March results.

In an earlier March poll by the same pollster, Mace had 22 percent compared to Evette’s 21 percent, Wilson’s 19 percent, Norman’s 8 percent, Kimbrell’s 1 percent, and 29 percent undecided. Conducted on March 12 and March 13 among 810 likely Republican primary voters, the poll had a margin of error of 3.43 percent.