Trump Endorses Both Republicans in South Carolina Governor Runoff, Days Before the June 23 Vote

Since Trump's original May 29 endorsement of Pamela Evette, the South Carolina Republican governor's race has shifted, and Trump shifted with it.

On Friday, Trump posted on Truth Social endorsing both Evette and Attorney General Alan Wilson ahead of their June 23 runoff. "I can't hurt one of them by only endorsing the other," Trump wrote, according to The State. "So, therefore, I am going to endorse, for governor of South Carolina, both Pam Evette and Alan Wilson! It's a wealth of riches."

The original Evette endorsement came roughly ten days before the June 9 primary. It helped her finish first in that field, according to The State. But neither she nor Wilson cleared a majority, forcing a runoff. Since then, Wilson has consolidated support aggressively. Recent polling, according to The State, shows him leading.

Wilson's Momentum Is Real

Wilson's endorsement list now includes 48 state lawmakers, former primary rivals state Sen. Josh Kimbrell, Rep. Nancy Mace, and Rep. Ralph Norman, and U.S. Sen. Tim Scott. According to The State, Scott has also been helping Wilson with fundraising and the two are scheduled to attend church together.

Wilson framed the Trump endorsement as validation of his long-standing loyalty. "I've proudly stood with President Trump from the very beginning, defended him when others would not, and fought alongside him against the radical left," Wilson said in a statement cited by The State.

Evette Isn't Conceding Anything

Evette's campaign pushed back on any narrative that Trump's dual endorsement signals a shift away from her. She posted on X Friday: "I was proud to come in first as President Trump's endorsed candidate for governor on June 9th. Looking forward to doing it again on June 23rd."

She also cited a post-primary phone call with Trump directly. "The president called me last Tuesday after the primary, and he said, 'I'm so proud of you. You're going to win this runoff. You're going to win it big, and you and I are going to do it together, Pamela,'" she told reporters after the June 16 debate, according to The State.

Evette has the first-mover advantage of Trump's original endorsement, finished first in the primary, and holds the title of lieutenant governor, a built-in credential with state Republican voters. If Wilson's lead in polling is soft, Evette's name ID and the lingering weight of being Trump's first pick could still matter on Tuesday.

What Trump's Move Actually Signals

Trump's stated reason—"I can't hurt one of them"—is a charitable read of a politically convenient hedge. The straightforward explanation is this: Wilson started winning in polls after the primary, and Trump adjusted. That is not unusual for Trump. He has demonstrated throughout his political career a preference for backing candidates who are already likely to win, rather than absorbing a loss against his endorsement.

AP News reported the same basic facts but framed the story around Trump saying "either" candidate would be a good pick, softening the hedge language slightly. The State's on-the-ground reporting is more specific and more useful here, naming the actual polling shift, the endorser list, and the Tim Scott addition.

Fox News flagged the story but its source content did not provide meaningful additional detail on the race mechanics.

What's at Stake

South Carolina is a reliably red state, so whichever Republican wins Tuesday's runoff is the heavy favorite in November. The governor's seat matters. Term-limited Gov. Henry McMaster leaves office, and his successor will control executive appointments, economic development negotiations, and a statehouse that has national visibility given the ongoing national debate over data centers, immigration enforcement, and fiscal policy.

Tim Scott's endorsement of Wilson, combined with active fundraising help, is the sharpest signal of where the state's Republican establishment is landing. Whether Evette's primary lead and Trump's original backing outweigh Wilson's consolidated coalition is the genuine open question that Tuesday's vote will answer.