South Carolina's Republican primary for governor is heading to a runoff, with Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette and state Attorney General Alan Wilson emerging as the top two candidates. Decision Desk HQ projects that neither captured the majority needed to win outright on Tuesday, setting the stage for a June 23 showdown.
Evette, who landed former President Donald Trump's endorsement, and Wilson edged out a crowded field that included businessman Rom Reddy and Republican Representatives Ralph Norman and Nancy Mace. The race to succeed outgoing Governor Henry McMaster has drawn intense interest in a state that plays a pivotal role in the early presidential nominating calendar.
Both candidates have already agreed to a debate later this month, signaling a heated contest ahead. The winner will face Democratic state Senator Jermaine Johnson, who is projected to secure his party's nomination. However, the Cook Political Report rates the governor's mansion as solidly Republican, giving the GOP nominee a strong advantage in the general election.
Trump's endorsement has been a central theme in the campaign. Most GOP hopefuls stressed their loyalty to the former president, who won South Carolina by double digits in 2024. Evette's ability to secure Trump's backing could be decisive, as his preferred candidates have largely prevailed in recent primaries. Notably, Trump-backed challengers defeated high-profile GOP incumbents like Senators Bill Cassidy of Louisiana and John Cornyn of Texas, as well as Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky.
However, Trump's record is not flawless. Last week in Iowa, his pick for governor, Representative Randy Feenstra, lost to Republican Zach Wahls, underscoring the limits of his influence. In South Carolina, the runoff will test whether Trump's endorsement can overcome the organizational strength of Wilson, a seasoned attorney general with deep ties to the state's political establishment.
For more on the broader primary landscape, see our coverage of the South Carolina GOP primary and Lindsey Graham's Senate nomination. The race also echoes dynamics in other states, such as the Nevada GOP primary for an open House seat.
Evette and Wilson will now compete for the GOP base in a state where Trump remains a dominant force. The outcome could signal whether the party's voters prioritize loyalty to the former president or prefer a candidate with a longer record of conservative governance.
