South Carolina Lt.Gov.
Pamela Evette, who secured a late endorsement from President Donald Trump, and state Attorney General Alan Wilson 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.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 General Alan Wilson, and businessman Rom Reddy all appeared on Tuesday's gubernatorial primary ballot.Ken Ruinard / USA Today Network via Reuters ConnectEvette was joined in the contest by multiple high-ranking South Carolina elected Republicans, including Wilson and Reps.
Nancy Mace and Rep.Ralph Norman.
Self-funding businessman Rom Reddy also gained steam late in the race.Earlier in the campaign, Mace looked like she may have an inside track to Trump’s endorsement, enjoying a close relationship with the president.
Mace had worked ...