Pamela Evette and Alan Wilson Advance to South Carolina Gubernatorial Primary Runoff
South Carolina’s Lieutenant Governor, Pamela Evette, and Attorney General Alan Wilson have progressed to a runoff in the Republican primary for the governorship, bolstered by endorsements from former President Donald Trump, as reported by NBC News.
With no candidate achieving over 50% of the vote in the initial round on Tuesday, a runoff election is set for June 23. Preliminary reports indicate that around 80% of the anticipated votes have been tallied, showing Evette with 29% support while Wilson secured 26%.
The Republican nominee is expected to become the frontrunner to succeed term-limited Governor Henry McMaster in what remains a deeply Republican state this fall. The primary has been characterized by a fierce competition among leading candidates seeking Trump’s backing, with Evette strategically emphasizing this connection throughout her campaign.
This past Monday, Evette’s campaign issued a press release highlighting Trump’s “full and complete support,” referencing a Truth Social post where Trump expressed his endorsement. Additionally, Trump participated in a conference call on Monday evening with Evette and Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, who is also campaigning for re-election.
In her statement following the primary results, Evette acknowledged Trump’s support, stating, “This victory would not have been possible without the full and complete support of @realDonaldTrump.” She expressed gratitude for his trust and emphasized her commitment to continue working hard in the race.
Wilson, who has been in office for over 15 years, highlighted his law enforcement endorsements and military service as key attributes of his candidacy. “Tonight, South Carolina families sent a clear message: We want a governor who will fight for our families, cut costs, keep our communities safe, and put taxpayers first,” he stated.
The crowded field included several other candidates, such as Congresswoman Nancy Mace and Congressman Ralph Norman, as well as businessman Rom Reddy, who gained traction later in the race. Mace, who previously had a close relationship with Trump, faced challenges after publicly supporting the release of federal documents related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Ultimately, she finished in fifth place in the primary and expressed her support for Wilson after reconciling their differences.
