COLUMBIA, S.C. (WRDW/WAGT) – President Donald Trump announced his preferred pick for South Carolina governor, with primaries just around the corner.
In a Truth Social post on Friday, Trump endorsed Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, a longtime Trump ally.
“Pam Evette is a good friend, fighter, and WINNER, and will be a terrific Governor of South Carolina,” Trump wrote. “Pam has my Complete and Total Endorsement — SHE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!”
Evette later thanked the president for his endorsement in a post on X.
“Your walk down that golden escalator is what propelled me into politics,” Evette said. “You showed what a businessperson can do to make America Great Again. I am incredibly grateful for your support and will never let you down.”
The endorsement comes months after Gov. Henry McMaster said he would back Evette’s bid to succeed him—a move many political analysts viewed as an effort to secure a crucial endorsement from the president.
In the post, Trump also noted he was hearing that Gov. McMaster’s son, Henry McMaster Jr., would become her running mate as lieutenant governor. WIS has reached out to the governor’s office and Evette’s campaign for clarification.
GOP gubernatorial candidates react:
Attorney General Alan Wilson responded to the endorsement in a post on X, saying: “No one’s fought harder or risked more for President Trump and his agenda than I have. I look forward to continuing to deliver real results for South Carolina families as their next Governor. And congratulations to Pam Evette for picking Henry McMaster Jr. to be her running mate.”
Rep. Nancy Mace responded to the endorsement in a press release and posted a picture of her with Trump.
“I will not change my positions. I will not abandon my principles,” Mace said in part. “And I will never stop demanding accountability from institutions that have failed South Carolina, and our nation, regardless of the political cost.”
The race continues to heat up as early voting continues across the state, with primary day set for June 9.
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