Trump Adds Second Endorsement in South Carolina Governor Race

WHO:

NBC News - President Donald Trump is involved in the South Carolina governor’s race.

Fox News - Trump endorses both candidates, Wilson and Evette, in the GOP gubernatorial runoff.

WHAT:

[12:11 p.m. ET] - CNN - Trump stated, “With either one you can’t go wrong,” regarding his dual endorsement of both candidates.

[12:11 p.m. ET] - CNN - Evette finished a few points ahead of Wilson in the primary race but did not achieve the 50% needed to avoid the runoff.

[12:11 p.m. ET] - CNN - Wilson quickly updated his social media profile to reflect Trump’s endorsement, stating, “I’ve proudly stood with President Trump from the very beginning, defended him when others would not, and fought alongside him against the radical left.”

[12:11 p.m. ET] - CNN - Evette expressed confidence in her campaign, saying, “I was proud to come in first as President @realDonaldTrump’s endorsed candidate for Governor on June 9th. Looking forward to doing it again on June 23rd.”

NBC News - Trump is supporting both remaining Republicans in the South Carolina governor’s race.

Fox News - Trump is making a double endorsement in the South Carolina GOP gubernatorial runoff.

WHERE:

NBC News - The endorsements are taking place in South Carolina.

WHEN:

Fox News - The high-profile contest is scheduled for Tuesday.

WHY:

[12:11 p.m. ET] - CNN - Trump’s change of heart is seen as a significant setback for Evette’s campaign, which had relied on her being the president’s preferred candidate.

NBC News - Trump is seeking to avoid the possibility of another primary setback.

HOW:

[12:11 p.m. ET] - CNN - Trump attempted to save face after recent primary losses by stating that Rick Jackson “ran a great TRUMP Campaign” following Jackson's victory over his endorsed candidate in Georgia.

Fox News - Trump is hedging his bets by endorsing both candidates in the runoff.

(UPDATED June 20, 2026 04:20 UTC)

Trump has endorsed both candidates in a surprising move, stating, “With either one you can’t go wrong.” In the primary race, Evette finished ahead of Wilson but fell short of the 50% threshold needed to avoid a runoff, while Wilson quickly updated his social media to highlight Trump’s endorsement, emphasizing his long-standing support for the former president. Evette remains optimistic about her campaign, expressing pride in her position as Trump’s endorsed candidate and looking forward to the upcoming runoff on June 23rd.

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(UPDATED June 20, 2026 01:42 UTC)

President Trump is making headlines in the South Carolina governor’s race by endorsing both candidates, Wilson and Evette, in the GOP gubernatorial runoff. This double endorsement is seen as a strategic move to avoid the risk of another primary setback as the high-profile contest is scheduled for Tuesday. By backing both remaining Republicans, Trump is effectively hedging his bets in this crucial election.