South Carolina’s Republican gubernatorial primary is headed to a runoff between Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette and state Attorney General Alan Wilson. Multiple outlets project that neither candidate secures the required majority of votes in the initial contest, with both advancing based on their vote totals. Decision Desk HQ is cited by some outlets as the source for the projection. The runoff is scheduled for June 23.
President Donald Trump’s involvement is a consistent thread across coverage. Trump endorsed both candidates, and Evette’s Trump backing is highlighted by several outlets, but her support is not enough to win outright in the primary. Reports also describe the primary as competitive and “heated,” with the result setting up a contest between the state’s lieutenant governor and attorney general for the GOP nomination.
Several sources note that the eventual Republican nominee is expected to be favored in the November general election because of South Carolina’s conservative voting patterns. Overall, coverage centers on the runoff outcome and Trump’s dual endorsement.
