President Donald Trump adjusted his tune in the Republican gubernatorial race and co-endorsed both remaining candidates Friday with just days until the June 23 primary runoff election.
After he initially endorsed Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette ahead of the June 9 primary election, Trump on Friday announced through his Truth Social media platform that Attorney General Alan Wilson, too, was fit for the role of governor.
The president said the pair of candidates were who he had hoped would make it to the runoff.
"I can’t hurt one of them by only endorsing the other, so, therefore, I am going to endorse, for Governor of South Carolina, both Pam Evette and Alan Wilson!" he said in the post.
Trump's endorsement came a day after the end of a two-day early voting period in which some 72,500 people cast a ballot. The same Thursday that early voting ended, Evette released a video to social media platforms with a list of nine potential lieutenant governor running mates. In that video, Evette said voting for her would be a victory for the president.
"Together, we can deliver a big win for President Trump and for our state," she said in a 7 p.m. Thursday video.
Evette had touted the endorsement as a key part of her campaigning and messaging to voters. Now, Trump will be able to claim a victory no matter which candidate wins the nomination.
She responded to the president's announcement with a brief blurb on social media.
"I was proud to come in first as President @realDonaldTrump's endorsed candidate for Governor on June 9th. Looking forward to doing it again on June 23rd. Get out and vote on Tuesday, and let's Keep South Carolina winning!" she said.
About 29% of voters selected Evette as their candidate of choice June 9, which placed her first in the contest. Wilson finished second with about 26% of the vote and an opportunity to face Evette in the runoff.
Wilson has since racked up endorsements from former competitors in the Republican gubernatorial field. State Sen. Josh Kimbrell, who paused his campaign before election night, was the first former candidate to endorse Wilson. Endorsements from U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace and U.S. Rep. Ralph Norman came soon after the night's results trickled in.
Trump's co-endorsement followed a period in which polling — both internal and public — showed Wilson may have a lead in the double-digit margins. And about 30 minutes after the president's announcement, U.S. Sen. Tim Scott threw his support behind Wilson.
The lieutenant governor has long been endorsed by Gov. Henry McMaster. Evette's list of endorsements also includes Speaker Pro Tempore Tommy Pope, South Carolina Treasurer Curtis Loftis and Turning Point Action, which is the nonprofit advocacy side of Turning Point USA.
Wilson reacted to Trump's decision in a social media post. He said he was honored to have the endorsement.
"Thank you, President Trump. I am grateful for your support and I am ready to keep fighting for South Carolina," he said.
The runoff is June 23. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The winner of the nomination will be on November's General Election ballot alongside Democratic gubernatorial nominee state Rep. Jermaine Johnson.
