COLUMBIA, South Carolina — President Donald Trump has shifted his endorsement strategy in South Carolina’s Republican gubernatorial runoff, saying either remaining candidate would be an acceptable choice days after previously backing Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette alone in the race to succeed term-limited Gov. Henry McMaster.
In a post on Truth Social on Friday, Trump praised both Evette and state Attorney General Alan Wilson, who are competing in the June 23 runoff after neither candidate secured a majority in the first round of voting earlier this month. Trump wrote that both candidates had supported his “MAGA” and “America First” agenda and said Republicans “can’t go wrong” with either choice, according to statements reported by multiple news organizations.
The move marked a departure from Trump’s earlier endorsement of Evette. On May 29, Trump gave Evette what he called his “Complete and Total Endorsement,” describing her as “a good friend, fighter, and WINNER” who would be “a terrific Governor of South Carolina.” Evette publicly thanked Trump and highlighted his support during her campaign.
Evette and Wilson advanced to the runoff after finishing ahead of a crowded Republican field that included U.S. Representative Nancy Mace, Representative Ralph Norman and businessman Rom Reddy. The runoff winner is expected to become the Republican nominee in November’s general election. South Carolina has elected Republicans statewide for decades, though Democratic nominee Jermaine Johnson remains in the race.
Wilson, who has long aligned himself with Trump on legal and policy matters, has argued that his record defending Trump administration initiatives makes him a strong representative of the president’s agenda. Senator Tim Scott endorsed Wilson and campaigned on his behalf, according to reports.
Trump’s decision to praise both candidates comes after a series of closely watched Republican primaries and runoffs around the country. While several Trump-backed candidates have won nominations this year, some endorsed candidates in gubernatorial contests have also suffered defeats, according to election results reported by Reuters and other outlets.
The South Carolina contest has attracted national attention because it is one of the highest-profile governor’s races of 2026 and serves as a test of support among Republican voters in a state that has been central to Trump’s political coalition.
As of Saturday, neither campaign had announced major changes in response to Trump’s revised position. Early voting and campaign appearances continued ahead of Tuesday’s runoff, when Republican voters will choose between Evette and Wilson. Details on voter turnout expectations remain unclear.
