President Donald Trump issued a rare dual endorsement on Friday, June 19, in South Carolina’s Republican gubernatorial runoff, backing both Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette and Attorney General Alan Wilson just days before the June 23 vote.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump described the matchup as offering a “wealth of riches” for South Carolina Republicans.
Trump Backs Both Candidates in Rare South Carolina Runoff Endorsement
He praised both candidates as longtime allies who have supported his “MAGA and America First” agenda from the start. Trump said voters “can’t go wrong” with either one and stopped short of picking a favorite.
The move comes after Trump endorsed Evette ahead of the June 9 primary. She finished first with about 29% of the vote, while Wilson took second with 26%.
No one cleared 50%, forcing the runoff to decide the nominee in the solidly Republican state.
Polls Show Wilson Holding an Edge Before Election Day
Recent polls show Wilson with a solid lead. One survey released this week had him at 52% to Evette’s 34% among likely GOP voters.
The attorney general has received support and endorsement from figures such as Sen. Ted Cruz and Rep. Nancy Mace.
Evette has leaned heavily on Trump’s initial backing, positioning herself as the outsider businesswoman against a career politician.
Wilson has highlighted his record as a prosecutor and combat veteran. The two clashed sharply in a debate this week at Coastal Carolina University, trading barbs over records, endorsements, and policy differences, including casino gambling.
The race to replace term-limited Gov. Henry McMaster has drawn national attention because of Trump’s involvement.
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An early endorsement from the president helped Evette advance, but Wilson has gained ground in the final stretch.
Wilson responded positively to the dual endorsement, thanking Trump for his America First policies.
“I am honored to have the endorsement of President Donald Trump. President Trump has fought harder than anyone to secure our border, restore American strength, drain the swamp, protect our freedoms, and put working families first.
“When President Trump needed fighters, I was in the fight. Now, I am running for Governor to keep South Carolina strong, conservative, and free,” said Wilson.
Candidates Call for Huge Turnout of Voters
Evette also issued a public statement on her social media account, urging her supporters to come out in large numbers to vote.
“I was proud to come in first as President Donald Trump’s endorsed candidate for Governor on June 9th. Looking forward to doing it again on June 23rd. Get out and vote on Tuesday, and let’s keep South Carolina Winning,” she said.
South Carolina’s winner-take-all primary system and deep-red politics mean the GOP nominee is heavily favored to win the governorship in November.
Both Evette and Wilson have emphasized conservative priorities such as tax cuts and school choice, though their campaigns have grown more personal in recent weeks.
What the Dual Endorsement Means for Trump’s Political Influence
Trump’s decision to endorse both candidates can be seen as a hedge, or rather a win-win situation. A split endorsement allows him to claim credit regardless of the outcome, while also avoiding a direct loss if his original pick falls short.
Early voting for the runoff is underway. Turnout is expected to be lower than the primary, which could favor the candidate with the stronger ground game.
Wilson’s campaign has pointed to his consistent polling lead and major list of endorsements in the final days.
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The dual endorsement adds an unusual twist to an already heated race. For weeks, the two candidates have painted clear contrasts.
Evette has marketed herself as Trump’s fighter and business leader, while Wilson has been selling his candidacy as the experienced prosecutor ready to lead.
The president’s double endorsement can be seen as a major boost for Wilson, who can now add that aspect to his arsenal.
The runoff winner will face minimal Democratic opposition in the fall in a state where the GOP has held the governor’s office for years.
