South Carolina GOP Primary Candidates Vie for Trump’s Endorsement Amid Tight Race
Former U.S. President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump listens as former Republican presidential candidate U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-SC) speaks at a rally ahead of the New Hampshire primary election in Concord, New Hampshire, U.S. January 19, 2024. REUTERS/Elizabeth Frantz
By Sam Barron | Friday, 31 October 2025 09:40 PM EDT
The candidates running for governor in the South Carolina Republican primary are vying for the endorsement of former President Donald Trump, whose support could determine the outcome of a race that remains tightly contested. With the winner of next year’s GOP primary poised to be a strong favorite in a state that has not elected a Democrat since 1998, the campaign has become a focal point for political strategists.
The Cook Political Report, a nonpartisan election analysis firm, classifies the race as “solid R,” though no clear front-runner has emerged. Incumbent Gov. Henry McMaster is ineligible to seek reelection due to term limits. A recent poll from Winthrop University shows Rep. Nancy Mace and Lt. Gov. Pam Evette leading with 17% and 16%, respectively, while Rep. Ralph Norman and state Attorney General Alan Wilson trail at 8%.
Candidates acknowledge Trump’s influence in the race, with Mace describing him as a “kingmaker” who could also act as a “queenmaker.” Wilson emphasized that Trump’s endorsement carries immense weight, stating, “Anyone who says they don’t want the president’s endorsement is crazy.” Mace and Norman have aligned with Trump’s agenda in Congress, while Wilson has filed nearly 20 briefs supporting the former administration. Evette has highlighted her loyalty to Trump, noting she backed him when other Republicans distanced themselves after his 2020 loss.
Norman faces challenges in securing Trump’s backing, having previously endorsed Nikki Haley during the 2024 primary cycle. His campaign stated he “respects” Trump’s relationships with other candidates but remains eager for an endorsement. Meanwhile, Senate Majority Leader Lindsey Graham has urged patience, as Trump adopts a wait-and-see approach before making a decision. The president has already endorsed Rep. Byron Donalds in Florida and Vivek Ramaswamy in Ohio.
McMaster has not yet taken sides in the race. Sam Barron, with nearly two decades of political coverage experience, provides insights into South Carolina’s evolving GOP landscape.
