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Pamela Evette Enters 2026 South Carolina Governor’s Race With Trump Backing

The lieutenant governor positions herself as Henry McMaster’s heir apparent with a promise to drive a robust conservative agenda backed by President Trump.

FILE - South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster, left, looks on as South Carolina Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, right, speaks with reporters, July 27, 2022, in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Meg Kinnard, File)
FILE - South Carolina Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette speaks to the media outside of the incident command post in Pickens County, S.C., March 29, 2025. (AP Photo/Matt Kelley, File)
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Overview

  • In mid-July, Evette officially launched her campaign in Greenville by highlighting her years as Lt. Gov. alongside Henry McMaster and her direct relationship with President Trump.
  • She argues that her existing trust with Trump will allow her to secure federal resources for South Carolina without delay.
  • Evette’s platform calls for expanding school choice, abolishing the state income tax, enforcing strict immigration rules, slashing regulations and upholding abortion and transgender sports restrictions.
  • Attorney General Alan Wilson and state Sen. Josh Kimbrell have already declared their bids and U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace is expected to join a crowded GOP primary.
  • South Carolina has not elected a Democratic governor in over 20 years and a Trump endorsement is viewed as potentially decisive for next June’s nomination.