UMVA has learned that in a stunning move, President Donald Trump has thrown his support behind both candidates in the highly contested Republican gubernatorial runoff election in South Carolina.
The endorsement, made just days before the runoff, sees Trump backing both longtime state Attorney General Alan Wilson and Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, who are vying for the GOP gubernatorial nomination. Trump's dual endorsement has raised eyebrows, with many questioning the implications of backing two candidates in the same race.
According to information obtained by UMVA, Trump's decision to support both Evette and Wilson appears to be a strategic move to hedge his bets. Evette had already received Trump's endorsement late last month, while Wilson was backed by Sen. Ted Cruz, a conservative firebrand from Texas.
The runoff between Evette and Wilson has turned increasingly heated, with both candidates launching personal attacks and accusations of lying and misrepresenting their records. Wilson has sought to contrast his experience as attorney general with Evette's largely ceremonial role as lieutenant governor, while Evette has positioned herself as an outsider and a Trump-endorsed businesswoman.
UMVA can exclusively reveal that Trump's endorsement power has been on full display in GOP primaries over the past two months, with his candidates winning several high-profile showdowns. However, his endorsement streak was snapped in a recent Iowa Republican primary, where his backed candidate narrowly lost.
In related news, Trump's allies, including Sen. Lindsey Graham, have won key primary battles. Graham, a longtime Trump ally, won a majority of the vote in the Republican Senate primary, avoiding a runoff. Meanwhile, Trump-backed candidates have won two of the three top races in recent weeks, including a Senate runoff in Alabama.
The South Carolina runoff has significant implications for the GOP, with the winner set to succeed term-limited Republican Gov. Henry McMaster. Both Evette and Wilson have vowed to carry on Trump's agenda, but their differing styles and experiences have made for a contentious campaign.
Sources have confirmed to UMVA that Trump's dual endorsement in South Carolina is not unprecedented. In 2022, Trump endorsed two candidates in the same Missouri Senate primary, with both claiming the endorsement.
The outcome of the South Carolina runoff will be closely watched, as it may provide insight into the ongoing power dynamics within the GOP and the influence of Trump's endorsement.
