Trump Endorses Both Candidates in South Carolina GOP Runoff

On Friday, President Trump made an unusual decision by endorsing both candidates in the Republican runoff for South Carolina governor, after initially supporting only one of them.

In late May, President Trump first endorsed Pamela Evette, South Carolina’s lieutenant governor. Despite this support, she did not avoid a runoff, leading to his dual endorsement.

Mr. Trump, a figure whose endorsement holds significant weight in Republican races, revealed his decision on Truth Social. He stated, “I can’t hurt one of them by only Endorsing the other, so, therefore, I am going to Endorse, for Governor of South Carolina, both Pam Evette and Alan Wilson!” He emphasized that with either candidate, “you can’t go wrong.”

This dual endorsement comes as Mr. Trump faces a mixed track record with governor’s races in this year’s midterms. While his backing has been crucial in various Senate and House primaries, the governor races have proved more challenging.

The timing of Mr. Trump’s announcement coincided with Senator Tim Scott, a Republican from South Carolina, endorsing Alan Wilson, which further bolstered Wilson’s campaign. Mr. Wilson, who has served as South Carolina’s attorney general for 15 years, already held a lead over Ms. Evette in several pre-runoff polls. The addition of President Trump’s endorsement may cement his advantage further.