South Carolina’s race for the next governor will head to a Republican primary runoff, as predicted by NBC News. The primary runoff is scheduled for June 23. Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette and Attorney General Alan Wilson failed to secure more than 50% of the votes in the initial contest.
The eventual GOP nominee is expected to lead in the November election to replace the outgoing Governor Henry McMaster in the Republican stronghold.
Endorsement Battle
The primary focused heavily on gaining former President Donald Trump’s endorsement. Evette received Trump’s support late in the campaign and highlighted it extensively. Her campaign issued a release citing Trump’s repeated endorsements and his tele-rally support for her and Senator Lindsey Graham.
After the initial primary results, Evette expressed her gratitude on social media, emphasizing the significant role Trump played in her campaign. She thanked the outgoing Governor McMaster for his backing, referring to Trump’s endorsement as pivotal to her first-place finish.
Wilson’s Campaign
Alan Wilson, who has been South Carolina’s Attorney General for over 15 years, also advanced to the runoff. Wilson received backing from local law enforcement and cited his service in the South Carolina National Guard as key endorsements.
Wilson stated that the message from voters was clear: they want a Governor who prioritizes families, reduces costs, and enhances safety. He stressed the office must be earned through effort, not negotiation.
Other Contenders
The primary featured several prominent South Carolina Republicans such as Reps. Nancy Mace and Ralph Norman. Businessman Rom Reddy also participated, gaining traction towards the end.
Nancy Mace initially seemed positioned to gain Trump’s endorsement due to her past support. She campaigned for Trump in 2016 but later criticized him post-January 6, 2021. Prior to the 2024 elections, Mace again showed support for Trump, competing against Nikki Haley in her district.
Although Mace worked to regain Trump’s favor, her vocal stance on uncovering the Epstein files and her critiques of certain government activities affected her standing. She ultimately finished fifth in the race.
Mace has since declared her support for Wilson, highlighting her commitment to addressing corruption and advocating for transparency in government dealings. Despite her electoral loss, Mace insisted her principles remain intact.
Ralph Norman was not favored for Trump’s approval, given his early endorsement of Nikki Haley. Meanwhile, Rom Reddy stood apart by refusing campaign funds and voicing concerns about AI-development in the state during debates.