Trump Endorses Pamela Evette in South Carolina GOP Gubernatorial Race

On Friday, former President Donald Trump endorsed Pamela Evette, the lieutenant governor of South Carolina, in the GOP gubernatorial primary. Her main opponent is U.S. Congresswoman Nancy Mace, among others. Recent polls indicate Evette has overtaken Mace, who led earlier this year. While Trump has opposed Mace in the past, he supported her reelection in 2024, praising her as a ‘strong conservative voice.’

Trump expressed his support on Truth Social, calling Evette an ‘America First Patriot.’ He appreciated her unwavering support and endorsement from the start of his 2024 presidential campaign. Trump’s statement concluded with his complete endorsement of Evette, who he believes will not disappoint the voters. He also expressed enthusiasm about the possibility of Henry McMaster, Jr. joining Evette as the next lieutenant governor. Trump’s message ended with a warm note about 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,” he said.

Newsweek contacted Mace’s campaign on Friday night for a response.

Evette and Mace Respond

In response to Trump’s endorsement, Evette took to X to express her gratitude. She credited Trump’s influence on her political career and reaffirmed her commitment to his vision.

“Thank you President @realDonaldTrump. Your walk down that golden escalator is what propelled me into politics,” Evette wrote.

Mace, who supported Trump’s 2024 race, criticized the Department of Justice regarding the Epstein files. She responded on X to Trump’s endorsement of Evette, acknowledging her respect for Trump while emphasizing her commitment to transparency in the Epstein case.

“South Carolina deserves a Governor who answers to her people, not to the establishment,” Mace stated.

Current Polls Overview

A Trafalgar Group survey showed Evette ahead with 19.9%, while Alan Wilson had 19.4%, Rom Reddy 19%, Ralph Norman 15.9%, Mace 14.6%, Jacqueline Dubose 3.2%, and Josh Kimbrell 2.3%. Undecided voters made up 5.6%. This poll, conducted May 21-24 among 1,125 likely Republican voters, had a 2.9% margin of error.

Another poll in late April by co/efficient placed Evette at 21%, Wilson 18%, Norman 13%, Mace 12%, Reddy 11%, Kimbrell 2%, and undecided at 22%. Conducted April 29-30 among 813 likely voters, its margin of error was 3.44%. Mace’s support decreased by 5%, while Evette’s increased by 2% from a March poll.

In March, a co/efficient poll had Mace leading with 22%, followed by Evette at 21%, Wilson at 19%, Norman at 8%, Kimbrell at 1%, and 29% undecided. This poll, from March 12-13, surveyed 810 likely Republican voters with a 3.43% margin of error.