Trump-backed Pamela Evette advances to GOP primary runoff South Carolina governor’s race

BREAKING NEWSJun. 10, 2026, 1:01 AM UTC2026 Election2026 ElectionTrump-backed Pamela Evette advances to GOP primary runoff South Carolina governor’s raceNBC News projects that no candidate will win more than 50% of the vote Tuesday, forcing a June 23 runoff. President Donald Trump issued a late endorsement to Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette in the South Carolina gubernatorial race.Win McNamee / Getty Images FileShareAdd NBC News to GoogleBy Allan SmithSouth Carolina Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, who secured a late endorsement from President Donald Trump, advanced to a Republican primary runoff in the race to be the state’s next governor, NBC News projects.Subscribe to read this story ad-free Get unlimited access to ad-free articles and exclusive content.Her opponent has yet to be determined. State Attorney General Alan Wilson is currently in second place with roughly half the expected vote tallied. The runoff will take place on June 23 after no candidate won more than 50% of vote in Tuesday’s contest. The eventual GOP nominee will be a heavy frontrunner to replace term-limited Gov. Henry McMaster in the solidly red state this fall. From the start, the crowded primary race centered on an all-out battle from the top candidates to land Trump’s endorsement. Evette emerged with the nod in the closing weeks of the campaign, and has since repeatedly promoted it. On Monday, her campaign blasted out a news release headlined “President Trump Doubles Down on his ‘Complete and Total Endorsement” of Evette, pointing to another Truth Social post in which Trump touted his support for the lieutenant governor. Trump also held a tele-rally Monday evening for Evette and Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., who is up for re-election.Wilson, the son of Rep. Joe Wilson, R-S.C., has served as the state’s attorney general for more than 15 years and has touted endorsements from local law enforcement as well as his service in the South Carolina National Guard.Rep. Nancy Mace, Rep. Ralph Norman, state Attorney Gene...