Donald Trump endorses Pamela Evette for Governor – WCIV
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by Colin Russell
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WACH) — President Donald Trump took to Truth Social Friday to endorse South Carolina Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette in South Carolina's 2026 gubernatorial race.
In the post, Trump praised Evette as a loyal supporter and “America First patriot,” highlighting her early endorsement of his 2024 presidential campaign and her work campaigning on his behalf.
Evette, a Republican who has served as lieutenant governor since 2019, entered the governor’s race in July 2025, joining a field that includes Attorney General Alan Wilson, U.S. Reps. Nancy Mace and Ralph Norman, state Sen. Josh Kimbrell, and Rom Reddy.
The race is to succeed Gov. Henry McMaster, who has been vocal in his endorsement of Evette, his longtime second-in-command, throughout her campaign. McMaster is unable to run again due to term limitations.
READ MORE | McMaster backs Evette to replace him as South Carolina governor. Is Trump next?
In his post, Trump speculated that Henry McMaster Jr., the son of the current governor, will run alongside Evette as her lieutenant governor, though no formal announcement has been made.
Calling Evette a “fighter and winner,” Trump said she has his “complete and total endorsement” as she seeks to become South Carolina’s next governor.
See the full Truth Social post here
Several Republican gubernatorial candidates quickly responded to the endorsement.
AG Wilson congratulated Evette in a post on X:
U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace responded with the following:
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