SouthernWorldwide.com – Donald Trump’s influence within the Republican Party is facing a significant test in South Carolina’s gubernatorial primary, just a week after his endorsement streak in high-profile Republican primaries was broken.
The former president had thrown his support behind Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, who is vying to succeed the term-limited Republican Governor Henry McMaster, a staunch Trump ally.
Evette is competing against several prominent rivals in the GOP primary. These include current South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson, U.S. Representatives Nancy Mace and Ralph Norman, and businessman Rom Reddy.
Given that no candidate was projected to secure over 50% of the primary vote, the top two contenders are expected to advance to a Republican runoff election scheduled for June 23.
The potent impact of Trump’s endorsements has been evident in recent GOP primaries. His favored candidates have successfully unseated incumbents in key races across Indiana, Louisiana, Kentucky, and Texas, drawing considerable national attention.
However, Trump’s late endorsement of Republican Rep. Randy Feenstra of Iowa, in the race to replace retiring Governor Kim Reynolds, failed to secure a victory for the three-term congressman. This endorsement came on the same day he also backed Evette.
Feenstra was narrowly defeated by Zach Lahn, a businessman, farmer, and former political strategist. Lahn’s campaign was supported by the political arms of MAHA, a movement aligned with former Trump Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and Turning Point USA, a prominent conservative organization co-founded by the late Charlie Kirk.
In the South Carolina GOP gubernatorial primary, the leading candidates have consistently emphasized their support for Trump and his policy agenda, hoping to earn his coveted endorsement.
After maintaining neutrality for several months, Trump officially endorsed Evette, describing her as an “America First Patriot” and a “WINNER” in his announcement.
The president also participated in a tele-rally for Evette on the eve of the primary election.
Just hours later, on the morning of the primary, Evette reiterated her campaign’s reliance on the president’s backing.
She posted on social media, stating that Trump “needs a strong partner as Governor who will deliver on our conservative America First agenda. It’s why he gave me his ‘complete and total endorsement.’ Don’t let President Trump down. Get to the polls, bring your friends & family, and VOTE EVETTE!”
Adding a layer of complexity, Trump’s endorsement message for Evette also expressed his expectation that she would select Henry McMaster Jr., the governor’s son, as her running mate for lieutenant governor.
This statement from the president generated considerable backlash within South Carolina’s political circles. It fueled speculation that Governor McMaster, who succeeded Nikki Haley when she left to become U.N. ambassador during Trump’s first term and is now in his tenth year as governor, might be seeking to advance his son’s political career.
However, Governor McMaster denied any such deal or pressure. Evette has also stated that she would not decide on a running mate until after the primary results were finalized.
Subsequently, on Friday, the younger McMaster withdrew his name from consideration. He described the mention as “incredibly humbling” but concluded that “now is simply not the right time.”
Wilson commented, emphasizing the local sentiment: “In South Carolina, we really don’t take it very well when Washington tries to tell us what to do.”
