Key Points
Trump backed Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette over Rep. Nancy Mace in South Carolina governor race.
Mace's Epstein files vote likely caused Trump to withhold endorsement.
Mace and Evette tied at 17% in latest polls, facing crowded field.
South Carolina primary election scheduled for Tuesday, June 9, 2026.
South Carolina’s Republican primary for governor tests Trump’s endorsement power on June 9. President Trump backed Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette over Rep. Nancy Mace, citing her role in releasing the Jeffrey Epstein files. Mace now trails in a crowded field while facing legal battles and political scrutiny. The race shows how Trump’s support can reshape Republican contests in red states.
Why Trump Withheld His Endorsement
Trump backed Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette over Mace, likely because of Mace’s leading role in releasing the Jeffrey Epstein files. Trump has spent significant time this year seeking revenge against GOP defectors, and Mace’s vote crossed that line. Mace has a long history of bucking Trump, then cozying back up to him, but this time the damage stuck.
Mace’s Polling and Legal Troubles
Mace and Lt. Gov. Evette are tied at 17% in the latest polls, with Attorney General Alan Wilson also in the race. Beyond the endorsement loss, Mace faces a sprawling legal saga involving sexual assault allegations against her former fiancé, Charleston entrepreneur Patrick Bryant. A leaked phone call revealed the origins of her allegations, sparking multiple lawsuits and an ongoing investigation by the South Carolina State Law Enforcement Division.
Trump’s Endorsement Carries Weight
Past elections show that Trump’s endorsement in South Carolina nearly secures a runoff spot in this crimson-red state. With Evette receiving Trump’s backing, analysts expect her to advance to the runoff, leaving Mace and three other Republicans scrambling for the second spot. Republican candidates pursued Trump’s support at extraordinary lengths, showing the endorsement’s power in the state.
What Voters Face on June 9
South Carolina Republicans will choose their nominee on Tuesday in a field that includes Mace, Evette, Wilson, and others. The primary tests whether Trump’s endorsement alone can propel a candidate or whether Mace’s controversies and legal entanglements will cost her more votes. Voters will decide if Trump’s backing outweighs Mace’s congressional record and current legal battles.
Final Thoughts
Trump’s endorsement of Evette over Mace signals that his support remains decisive in South Carolina Republican races. Mace’s loss of Trump’s backing, combined with legal troubles and a tied polling position, puts her path to the runoff in serious doubt as voters head to the polls June 9.
FAQs
Trump withheld his endorsement from Mace due to her role in releasing the Jeffrey Epstein files, which he perceived as defection.
Mace faces multiple lawsuits and a South Carolina State Law Enforcement Division investigation related to sexual assault allegations against her former fiancé.
The South Carolina Republican primary election is scheduled for Tuesday, June 9, 2026.
Disclaimer:
The content shared by Meyka AI PTY LTD is solely for research and informational purposes. Meyka is not a financial advisory service, and the information provided should not be considered investment or trading advice.
About Author
Huzaifa Zahoor
Co FounderHuzaifa Zahoor is the engineer who built Meyka. He has spent years writing Python, training AI models, and building data pipelines specifically for financial markets. His technical articles have reached over 30,000 readers on Medium, so he knows how to make complex things easy to follow. If this article touches on how the tools work, he is the person who actually built them.
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