Trump’s Influence Looms Over South Carolina GOP Primary Race

By Sam Barron | Friday, 31 October 2025 09:40 PM EDT

The candidates vying for governor in the South Carolina Republican primary are intensifying efforts to secure President Donald Trump’s endorsement. Trump has yet to back a candidate in the race, where the winner of next year’s GOP primary would be seen as the clear favorite in a state that has not elected a Democrat since 1998.

The Cook Political Report categorizes the race as “solid R.” Incumbent Gov. Henry McMaster is term-limited and cannot seek reelection. A new poll from Winthrop University shows Rep. Nancy Mace and Lt. Gov. Pam Evette leading with 17% and 16%, while Rep. Ralph Norman and state Attorney General Alan Wilson trail with 8% each.

Candidates acknowledge Trump’s pivotal role in the race. “He’ll get to decide my fate. He is a kingmaker, and I hope in this case he will be a queenmaker,” Mace told Politico. Wilson said, “Donald Trump is the gold standard. He casts a very long shadow over state politics here in South Carolina, especially in the Republican primary. Anyone who says they don’t want the president’s endorsement is crazy.”

Mace and Norman have supported Trump’s agenda in Congress, while Wilson has filed nearly 20 briefs in federal courts backing the Trump administration. His website features photos of him with the president. Evette has emphasized her loyalty to Trump, citing her support during his post-presidency period when other Republicans distanced themselves.

Norman faces challenges in securing Trump’s endorsement after endorsing former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley during the 2024 Republican primary cycle. A spokesperson for Norman stated, “Ralph Norman has the best record of voting with Trump of any candidate and is proud to work with him in Congress. He’d welcome the president’s endorsement but knows the president has other friends in this race and respects that.”

Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., who is up for reelection next year, said Trump is taking a wait-and-see approach before issuing an endorsement. Trump has already backed Rep. Byron Donalds in Florida and Vivek Ramaswamy in Ohio. McMaster has declined to endorse any candidate.

Sam Barron has nearly two decades of experience covering politics, crime, and business.