The move comes as endorsements from the president demonstrate heavy influence in Republican primaries across the country.
President Donald Trump endorsed Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette for governor of South Carolina on Friday.
In a Truth Social post Friday evening, Trump praised Evette’s loyalty and record while positioning her as a clear choice in the Republican primary to lead the state.
“Highly Respected and very popular Lieutenant Governor of South Carolina, Pam Evette, is an America First Patriot who has been with me from the very beginning. She never wavered, never let me down, and was the only South Carolina Gubernatorial Candidate to Endorse me as soon as I launched my 2024 Presidential Campaign,” Trump wrote.
“Pam has my Complete and Total Endorsement — SHE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!”
The full post details her business background, work alongside Gov. Henry McMaster, and policy priorities, including growing the economy, securing the border, and protecting the Second Amendment. Trump noted a potential ticket with Henry McMaster Jr.—the son the governor—of as lieutenant governor and closed with “I LOVE SOUTH CAROLINA!”
The move comes as the state primary nears, with endorsements from Trump—who won South Carolina by record margins in 2024—demonstrating heavy influence in Republican primaries across the country.
Evette has positioned herself as continuing with conservative leadership that has delivered results for South Carolina and aligned with national priorities. In 2023, she joined Trump at a college football game with McMaster, the state’s First Lady Peggy McMaster, and others.
She also accompanied Vice President JD Vance during a visit to a South Carolina steel plant on May 2, 2025, to showcase advanced manufacturing.
Evette built a career as a successful entrepreneur, businesswoman, and civic leader before entering statewide office.
She became the first female Republican lieutenant governor in South Carolina history when elected in 2018 and won reelection in 2022.
The Trump endorsement arrives amid a competitive field that includes U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.).
