Overview
- President Trump publicly backed Lt. Gov. Pam Evette instead of Rep. Nancy Mace, a move that multiple outlets and a Trafalgar tracking poll linked to an immediate rise in Evette’s support.
- Mace says the endorsement has not settled the contest, disputed the size of Evette’s bump and vowed to continue campaigning aggressively into the June 9 Republican primary.
- Reporting highlights Mace’s controversial recent record — including an airport profanity incident and a high‑profile vote to force release of Jeffrey Epstein files that she says cost Trump’s backing.
- South Carolina GOP rules require a majority to avoid a runoff, early voting is already underway, and the endorsement has narrowed the path for other contenders to consolidate support before a potential June runoff.
- The episode underscores Trump’s influential role in state GOP contests while also showing limits to his sway given past races where his picks did not ultimately prevail and Mace’s insistence the race remains competitive.