President Trump endorsed Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette on Friday, signaling his backing for the South Carolina governor’s race. Evette, who has championed a Republican‑favored redrawing of the state’s congressional map, now enters the contest with the former president’s explicit support. The endorsement arrives as the GOP seeks to lock in control of statewide offices ahead of the 2026 midterms.

State Republicans have framed the map overhaul as a means to preserve proportional representation, while critics argue it entrenches partisan advantage. Evette’s vocal role in the effort has drawn both praise from party hardliners and scrutiny from Democrats. Trump’s stamp of approval could translate into fundraising momentum and voter mobilization in key coastal and Upstate counties. The debate has intensified on Capitol Hill.

Business leaders watching the race note that a Trump‑aligned governor could shape the state’s regulatory climate, especially on tax incentives and infrastructure projects tied to the new district lines. With the endorsement now public, Evette is positioned to leverage national attention as she courts donors and grassroots supporters. The campaign’s next moves will test whether the endorsement sways swing voters.