President Trump has declared his backing for Republican candidate Pamela Evett in the upcoming South Carolina gubernatorial election, a move linked to the release of Epstein-related files.
In a recent post on Truth Social, Trump expressed his “full and complete support” for Evett, describing her as “an America First patriot who has been with me from the beginning.” She is competing in the June 9 Republican primary against Nancy Mace, a South Carolina representative known for her earlier defiance of Trump, especially after she signed a petition in summer 2025 to push for the release of unredacted Epstein documents.
Trump’s endorsement highlighted Evett’s steadfastness, noting that she was the first to support him when he launched his 2024 presidential campaign. He reminisced about her driving him around South Carolina and other states, emphasizing that her loyalty had made a lasting impression on him.
Mace, on the other hand, has been active in advocating for transparency regarding Epstein’s crimes, leading efforts to summon then-Attorney General Pam Bondi to testify on the issue. In response to Trump’s endorsement of Evett, Mace acknowledged her respect for the former president but reiterated her commitment to justice for Epstein’s victims, stating that she risked political support in her push for transparency.
Governor McMaster’s term limits have opened the race, with candidates like Evett, Mace, and Attorney General Alan Wilson vying for the position. Mace has publicly criticized Evett’s claim of Trump’s endorsement, urging followers not to trust her statements.
Polling earlier this month showed Evett leading, though the competition remains tight with several other candidates, including Wilson and Mace, closely trailing behind. If elected, Evett would make history as South Carolina’s second female governor.
