Overview
- President Trump posted a “complete and total” endorsement for Lt. Gov. Pam Evette on May 29 on Truth Social, formally elevating her status in the crowded GOP primary.
- In his post, Trump praised Evette’s past loyalty and listed policy priorities he expects her to pursue, including growing the economy, cutting taxes and regulations, securing the border, protecting elections, and defending the Second Amendment.
- Evette thanked Trump publicly and won quick praise from Gov. Henry McMaster, who has already backed her and whose son is reported to be a potential running mate.
- Rep. Nancy Mace said she likely lost the president’s backing because she pushed for release of the Jeffrey Epstein-related files and she reiterated she will not trade her call for transparency for an endorsement.
- Political observers say the endorsement could materially reshape the close June 9 primary as early voting is under way and a runoff is possible, and it fits a pattern of Trump intervening in state contests — he also backed Iowa Rep. Randy Feenstra the same day.