Evette, backed by Trump, and Wilson, a Trump supporter, head to S.C. governor runoff

NPR reports that South Carolina's Republican gubernatorial primary is heading to a runoff between Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, who has Trump's endorsement, and Attorney General Alan Wilson, who supports Trump but lacks his formal backing. Neither candidate secured over 50% of the vote in the initial primary, triggering a June 23 runoff. The article's framing—highlighting the distinction between Trump's explicit endorsement of Evette versus Wilson's independent support—is corroborated by coverage from The Hill, NBC News, and Fox News, all confirming the runoff matchup and Trump's selective backing. The New York Times adds important context that Trump's endorsement of Evette "has not quite sealed the deal among voters," suggesting the race remains competitive despite the presidential support, a point reinforced by Rep. Nancy Mace's comment to Fox News that it's "a dog fight." Watch for the June 23 runoff outcome, which will test whether Trump's endorsement proves decisive in a competitive GOP race and signal his influence within South Carolina Republican politics.