By Sam Barron | Friday, 31 October 2025 09:40 PM EDT
The candidates running for governor in the South Carolina Republican primary are vying aggressively for the endorsement of former President Donald Trump, who has yet to align with a contender in the race. The winner of next year’s GOP primary is widely seen as the favorite in a state that has not elected a Democrat since 1998.
The Cook Political Report, a nonpartisan election analysis firm, classifies the race as “solid R.” Incumbent Gov. Henry McMaster, who is term-limited and cannot seek reelection, has so far avoided endorsing any candidate. A new poll from Winthrop University shows Rep. Nancy Mace and Lt. Gov. Pam Evette leading with 17% and 16%, respectively, while Rep. Ralph Norman and state Attorney General Alan Wilson trail at 8% each.
The candidates acknowledge that Trump’s influence looms large over the race. “He’ll get to decide my fate. He is a kingmaker, and I hope in this case he will be a queenmaker,” Mace told Politico. Wilson echoed similar sentiments, stating, “Donald Trump is the gold standard. Anyone who says they don’t want the president’s endorsement is crazy.”
Mace and Norman have consistently supported Trump’s agenda in Congress, while Wilson has filed nearly 20 briefs in federal courts backing the Trump administration. His website features photos of him with the former president. Evette has also emphasized her loyalty to Trump, claiming she backed him when other Republicans distanced themselves after his presidency.
Norman faces challenges in securing Trump’s endorsement due to his prior support for former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley during the 2024 Republican primary cycle. A spokesperson for Norman noted, “Ralph Norman has the best record of voting with Trump of any candidate and is proud to work with him in Congress. He’d welcome the president’s endorsement but knows that the president has other friends in this race and he respects that.”
Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., who is up for reelection next year, said Trump is adopting a wait-and-see approach before issuing an endorsement. Trump has already backed Rep. Byron Donalds in Florida and Vivek Ramaswamy in Ohio.
Sam Barron has nearly two decades of experience covering politics, crime, and business.
