Key facts
- South Carolina Republican gubernatorial primary runoff features Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette and Attorney General Alan Wilson.
- President Donald Trump endorsed both candidates after neither secured a majority in the initial primary.
- Evette narrowly led Wilson in the June 9 primary with 28.9% of the vote.
- Wilson received 26.1% of the vote in the initial primary.
- The Republican nominee will face Democratic state Rep. Jermaine Johnson in the general election.
South Carolina voters are heading to the polls for a Republican gubernatorial primary runoff between Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette and Attorney General Alan Wilson. Neither candidate secured the necessary majority in the initial June 9 primary, forcing a runoff. President Donald Trump initially endorsed Evette but later announced his support for both candidates, adding a complex dynamic to the race.
The contest has been characterized by intense campaigning and a contentious single debate where the candidates traded accusations of mudslinging and criticized each other's records. Evette has highlighted Trump's initial endorsement and support from Governor Henry McMaster, while Wilson has garnered backing from other prominent Republicans, including Senators Tim Scott and Ted Cruz, and U.S. Representatives Ralph Norman and Nancy Mace.
Wilson, who has served as the state's top prosecutor since 2011, has emphasized his support for the Trump administration's policies and even traveled to New York to support Trump during his trial. Evette, in turn, has reminded voters of Trump's primary endorsement and accused Wilson of being a "career politician." The Republican nominee will face Democratic state Representative Jermaine Johnson in the general election. A runoff is also scheduled for the 1st Congressional District.