COLUMBIA, S.C. - In South Carolina's Republican gubernatorial runoff, state Attorney General Alan Wilson, endorsed by former President Donald Trump, defeated Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette to secure the GOP nomination. The Associated Press reported the results shortly after polls closed. Trump's endorsement was notable as he had previously endorsed both candidates, a strategy that some viewed as hedging his bets.
Evette had initially led in the primary election, which included several candidates, but since no candidate achieved a majority, she and Wilson advanced to the runoff. Following the primary, Wilson received endorsements from other prominent Republicans, including Senators Ted Cruz and Lindsey Graham.
During the runoff campaign, both candidates engaged in personal attacks, with Wilson highlighting his experience as a combat veteran and attorney general, while Evette positioned herself as an outsider.
Wilson is now considered the frontrunner against Democratic nominee Jermaine Johnson in the general election, as no Democrat has won a gubernatorial election in South Carolina in 28 years. The Republican Governors Association praised Wilson's qualifications, while the Democratic Governors Association criticized his positions on healthcare and abortion.
Trump's endorsement power has been significant in recent GOP primaries, although it faced a setback three weeks prior when his endorsed candidate in Iowa lost. However, Trump regained momentum with recent endorsements leading to victories in other states.
The runoff results reflect Trump's ongoing influence within the Republican Party, as candidates he endorsed have seen mixed success in various primaries across the country.