Trump-Endorsed Evette Heads to Runoff in South Carolina Governor Primary
The South Carolina Republican gubernatorial primary on June 9, 2026, resulted in a runoff between Trump-endorsed Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette (29.3%) and Attorney General Alan Wilson (26.2%), after no candidate secured a majority. Incumbent Representative Nancy Mace finished fifth with 12.2%, blaming her loss on Trump’s snub over her support for releasing Epstein files. The race tests Trump’s influence following a recent primary setback, reflecting deep GOP divisions.
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Alan Wilson wins South Carolina governor runoff after Trump endorsement
Alan Wilson has won the South Carolina Republican governor runoff election, securing the party's nomination for the general election. His victory was significantly boosted by a late co-endorsement from former President Donald Trump, which helped him overcome a tough primary challenge. The runoff was closely watched as a test of Trump's continued influence within the GOP. Wilson, the state's attorney general, now advances to face the Democratic nominee in the general election for governor. The race highlighted internal party dynamics and the power of Trump's endorsement in Republican primaries.
PoliticsAlan Wilson wins South Carolina GOP gubernatorial runoff with Trump's backing
South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson won the Republican primary runoff for governor on Tuesday, defeating Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette. According to Decision Desk HQ, Wilson is projected to secure the nomination after a crowded June 9 primary where Evette initially led. Wilson's victory was bolstered by a last-minute endorsement from former President Donald Trump, placing him on a strong path for the November general election. The runoff decided the GOP nominee in a state where Republicans are heavily favored. Wilson now faces the Democratic nominee in the fall campaign.
Just In NewsTrump Shifts Stance in South Carolina After Losses in Governor’s Races
Former President Donald Trump has shifted his position in the South Carolina governor's race, now endorsing both incumbent Attorney General Alan Wilson and Lieutenant Governor Pam Evette ahead of the Republican runoff election. Previously, Trump had only backed one candidate, but after recent losses in other governor's races where his endorsements failed, he changed tactics. Trump stated that 'with either one you can't go wrong,' reflecting a more cautious approach to avoid another electoral defeat. The move is seen as an effort to maintain influence within the party and hedge against potential losses in the competitive South Carolina GOP primary runoff. The race had narrowed after the initial primary, forcing a runoff between Wilson and Evette. Trump's dual endorsement is unusual and signals strategic recalibration following setbacks in other state-level contests.
Top stories - Google NewsTrump continues to hold sway in Republican primaries
President Donald Trump demonstrated continued influence in Republican primaries on June 10, 2026, with his endorsed candidates winning key races in South Carolina and Nevada. In South Carolina, Senator Lindsey Graham defeated conservative insurgent Mark Lynch with nearly 57% of the vote, avoiding a runoff, and credited Trump's early endorsement as a decisive factor. Trump's pick for governor, Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, came in first but faces a June 23 runoff against state Attorney General Alan Wilson. In Nevada, retired Air Force Lt. Col. David Flippo won the GOP primary to succeed retiring Rep. Mark Amodei, despite opposition from Amodei and Governor Joe Lombardo. The results follow a setback in Iowa where Trump's preferred candidate lost a gubernatorial primary. RNC spokesperson Kiersten Pels stated Trump's endorsement remains 'the most powerful force in Republican politics.' Graham faces Democratic nominee pediatrician Annie Andrews in the general election.
Roll CallSouth Carolina Gubernatorial Primary Results: Evette and Wilson Head to Runoff
The South Carolina Republican gubernatorial primary has resulted in a runoff between Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette, endorsed by Donald Trump, and State Attorney General Alan Wilson. Wilson, known for his role in the Alex Murdaugh case and his past association with the Republican Attorneys General Association's fundraising group that urged support for overturning the 2020 election, finished ahead of Representative Nancy Mace. Mace, a MAGA figure who broke with Trump over Epstein files, finished far behind. Representatives Ralph Norman and businessman Rom Reddy also failed to advance. On the Democratic side, State Representative and former professional basketball player Jermaine Johnson won the primary, defeating attorney William Mullins McLeod Jr. and businessman Billy Webster.
News, Politics, Opinion, Commentary, and AnalysisSouth Carolina Gubernatorial Primary: Evette and Wilson Head to Runoff; Mace Defeated
In South Carolina's Republican gubernatorial primary, Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette, endorsed by Donald Trump, and State Attorney General Alan Wilson advanced to a runoff election. Wilson, former vice-chair of the Republican Attorneys General Association, gained national attention for prosecuting Alex Murdaugh, whose conviction was recently overturned. U.S. Representative Nancy Mace, a MAGA figure who broke with Trump over Epstein files, finished far behind. Representatives Ralph Norman and businessman Rom Reddy also failed to advance. On the Democratic side, State Representative and former professional basketball player Jermaine Johnson won the primary, defeating personal-injury lawyer William Mullins McLeod Jr. and businessman Billy Webster, a former Clinton Administration staffer.
News, Politics, Opinion, Commentary, and AnalysisSouth Carolina Gubernatorial Primary Results: Evette and Wilson Advance to Runoff
The South Carolina Republican gubernatorial primary has resulted in a runoff between Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette, endorsed by Donald Trump, and State Attorney General Alan Wilson. Wilson, known for his role in the Alex Murdaugh case and his association with the Republican Attorneys General Association's fundraising group that urged action before the January 6th attack, finished ahead of U.S. Representative Nancy Mace, who broke with Trump over Epstein files. Other candidates Ralph Norman and Rom Reddy failed to advance. On the Democratic side, State Representative Jermaine Johnson, a former professional basketball player, won the primary, defeating William Mullins McLeod Jr. and Billy Webster.
News, Politics, Opinion, Commentary, and AnalysisNancy Mace Endorses Alan Wilson for South Carolina Governor After Losing Primary
Following her defeat in the initial South Carolina GOP gubernatorial primary on Tuesday, U.S. Representative Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) announced her endorsement of state Attorney General Alan Wilson for governor. Speaking to supporters after polls closed, Mace stated her intention to back Wilson, emphasizing her desire for a 'law-and-order governor.' The endorsement consolidates Republican support behind Wilson as the primary race continues, reflecting internal party dynamics in the Palmetto State.
Just In NewsNancy Mace Loses South Carolina Governor Primary After Trump Endorsement Snub
Rep. Nancy Mace failed to advance in the GOP's South Carolina gubernatorial primary on June 9, 2026, finishing in fifth place with 12.2% of the vote. The race was won by Trump-endorsed Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette (29.3%) and Attorney General Alan Wilson (26.2%), who will face a runoff. Mace attributed her loss to President Donald Trump's decision not to endorse her, which she claimed was due to her support for releasing the Epstein files. The article notes this is a developing story.
Forbes - BusinessEvette and Wilson head to runoff in South Carolina GOP governor primary
The Republican primary for governor of South Carolina is heading to a runoff between Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette and state Attorney General Alan Wilson, according to Decision Desk HQ. Evette, who is endorsed by former President Donald Trump, and Wilson emerged as the top two candidates but neither secured a majority of the vote, triggering a runoff election. The race has been heated, reflecting internal party dynamics and the influence of Trump's endorsement. The runoff will determine the GOP nominee for the general election.
Just In NewsNancy Mace and Ralph Norman Lose Bids for Governor in South Carolina
Republican U.S. Representatives Nancy Mace and Ralph Norman both lost their bids to become South Carolina's next governor in the June 9, 2026 GOP primary. With no candidate securing a majority, the race is heading to a June 23 runoff between Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette, who has President Donald Trump's endorsement, and state Attorney General Alan Wilson. Evette led with 29% of the vote, followed by Wilson at 26%, while Norman had 16% and Mace 12%. Mace, who represents the 1st District, attributed her loss to her principled advocacy for sexual abuse victims, which she said put her at odds with Trump. Norman, a Freedom Caucus member, had backed Nikki Haley in the 2024 primary. The Republican nominee will be heavily favored in the deep-red state in November. The article also notes that Mace and Norman are among several GOP House members who have stumbled in statewide bids this year.
Roll CallSouth Carolina GOP Gubernatorial Primary Tests Trump's Influence
The South Carolina Republican gubernatorial primary on Tuesday serves as a key test of President Trump's political influence following his first major statewide primary loss the previous week. Trump has endorsed Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette in a crowded GOP field that includes prominent Republicans such as state Attorney General Alan Wilson and Representatives Ralph Norman. The outcome will indicate whether Trump's endorsement can still sway primary voters after a recent setback.
Just In NewsSouth Carolina Gubernatorial Primary: Live Results and Candidate Analysis
The New Yorker reports on the South Carolina gubernatorial primary, where five Republicans are competing to replace term-limited Governor Henry McMaster. Donald Trump has endorsed Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette, who leads in polls. State Attorney General Alan Wilson, known for his role in the Alex Murdaugh case and his association with the January 6th attack, is a key contender. Representative Nancy Mace, a MAGA figure who broke with Trump over Epstein files, also has strong support. Other GOP candidates include Representative Ralph Norman and businessman Rom Reddy. On the Democratic side, state Representative Jermaine Johnson, a former professional basketball player, is the front-runner, facing William Mullins McLeod Jr. and Billy Webster. The primary reflects deep divisions within the state's Republican party.
News, Politics, Opinion, Commentary, and AnalysisTrump Endorses Pam Evette Over Nancy Mace in South Carolina Governor Race
President Donald Trump has endorsed Lieutenant Governor Pam Evette in the Republican primary for South Carolina governor, snubbing incumbent Representative Nancy Mace. In a Truth Social post on Friday evening, Trump praised Evette as an 'America First Patriot' who 'never wavered,' calling her a 'good friend, fighter, and WINNER.' The endorsement sets up a direct challenge to Mace, who is also seeking the GOP nomination. The move underscores Trump's continued influence in Republican primaries and his willingness to back challengers against sitting members of his own party. Evette currently serves as South Carolina's lieutenant governor under Governor Henry McMaster.
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