President Donald Trump on Friday threw his support behind South Carolina Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette in the state’s Republican gubernatorial primary, giving her a major boost just days before voters head to the polls.
In a lengthy Truth Social post, Trump praised Evette as a loyal ally and early supporter of his 2024 presidential campaign.
“Pam Evette is an America First Patriot who has been with me from the very beginning,” Trump wrote. He added that she “never wavered, never let me down” and was the first South Carolina gubernatorial candidate to endorse his White House bid.
Trump highlighted Evette’s record as lieutenant governor and her experience as a businesswoman, saying she has “the Courage and Wisdom to deliver strong results for the people of her wonderful State, and our Nation.”
The president said Evette would work to grow the economy, cut taxes and regulations, support American manufacturing, strengthen border security, protect elections, support veterans, and defend Second Amendment rights.
“Pam has my Complete and Total Endorsement — SHE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!” Trump wrote.
Trump also praised South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster and suggested that McMaster’s son could join the ticket.
“A BIG added plus for Pam is that, I hear, Henry McMaster, Jr., the brilliant and very competent son of Henry and Peggy, will be running with her as the next Lieutenant Governor,” Trump wrote. “I LOVE SOUTH CAROLINA!”
Trump’s endorsement marks his first entry into the crowded Republican primary race, which includes Evette, Representative Nancy Mace, Representative Ralph Norman, Attorney General Alan Wilson, and businessman Rom Reddy.
The race has drawn national attention, with polling showing several candidates competing closely for support ahead of the June 9 primary.
Mace, who has frequently aligned herself with Trump, had been viewed by some political observers as a contender for the president’s endorsement. However, reports indicate that some Trump allies raised concerns about her criticism of aspects of the administration’s foreign policy and her calls for the release of files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Reports suggest that Trump allies were working to prevent Mace from securing the endorsement.
One source close to the White House stated: “Nancy Mace and Ralph Norman sabotaged Trump when it mattered most. Their reward shouldn’t be the governor’s mansion.”
Another operative close to Trump’s orbit said that Mace had repeatedly sought Trump’s backing while criticizing what they described as her “dishonest attack on the administration in regards to the Epstein case.”
A senior adviser to Mace countered: “The only people worried about Nancy Mace becoming governor are the consultants planting this story because they know the Trump endorsement isn’t coming for their candidate.”
