Trump Endorses 2 Candidates
President Donald Trump stunned many political observers Friday by making an unusual move in one of the most important Republican races of 2026.
Just days before South Carolina Republicans head back to the polls, Trump announced that he is endorsing both remaining GOP candidates in the state’s governor’s runoff election.
The decision marks a surprising shift from Trump’s earlier position and highlights just how competitive the battle for South Carolina’s top office has become.
Only weeks ago, Trump gave his full endorsement to Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, praising her unwavering support and long-standing loyalty to the America First movement. But after Evette and Attorney General Alan Wilson emerged as the top two finishers in the Republican primary, the president decided to back both conservatives rather than choose between them.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said he had hoped Evette and Wilson would advance to the runoff and argued that South Carolina Republicans are in an enviable position.
According to Trump, either candidate would make a strong conservative governor and continue advancing policies that align with the values of Republican voters across the state.
A High-Stakes Republican Showdown
South Carolina’s governor’s race has been one of the most closely watched contests in the country. Several prominent Republicans spent more than a year competing for Trump’s endorsement, widely viewed as one of the most valuable assets in GOP politics.
The primary field included high-profile conservatives such as Rep. Ralph Norman and Rep. Nancy Mace, both of whom worked aggressively to win support from Trump’s base.
When the votes were counted, however, Evette finished first with 29 percent of the vote, while Wilson secured second place and a spot in the runoff.
Both Candidates Highlight Their Trump Ties
Throughout the campaign, both Evette and Wilson have emphasized their support for President Trump and his America First agenda.
Wilson publicly backed Trump during some of the former president’s most challenging political battles, including his legal fight in New York during the 2024 election cycle.
Evette has also remained a visible Trump ally, appearing alongside him during major campaign events and celebrating his victories in South Carolina.
Following Trump’s announcement, both candidates quickly embraced the endorsement.
Evette said she was proud to have finished first as Trump’s original choice for governor and welcomed the president’s continued support.
Wilson called the endorsement a tremendous honor and pointed to his long record of standing with Trump against what he described as attacks from the political left.
Tim Scott Adds Another Major Endorsement
As if Trump’s support wasn’t enough, Wilson received another major boost shortly afterward.
South Carolina Senator Tim Scott announced that he was endorsing Wilson, praising the attorney general’s faith, leadership, and commitment to conservative principles.
Scott said Wilson possesses the character and vision needed to guide South Carolina’s future and continue the state’s conservative success story.
Why Trump’s Decision Matters
Trump’s unusual double endorsement comes at a notable moment.
In recent months, some candidates backed by the president have faced tougher-than-expected challenges in statewide races.
Most recently, Trump-endorsed Georgia Lt. Gov. Burt Jones lost his Republican gubernatorial primary to billionaire healthcare executive Rick Jackson, raising new questions among political analysts about the influence of endorsements in highly competitive races.
Rather than risk dividing Republican voters in South Carolina, Trump appears to be sending a different message: keep the focus on defeating Democrats and maintaining conservative leadership.
With the runoff election approaching, South Carolina Republicans now face a rare situation. Both candidates can claim Trump’s support, leaving voters to decide which conservative is best positioned to carry the America First agenda forward.
One thing is certain: the outcome of this race will be watched closely by Republicans across the country as the 2026 election season continues to take shape.