Alan Wilson, boosted by Trump’s late co-endorsement, wins South Carolina governor runoff
Politics — 2026-06-23 18:29:00 — www.politico.com
Trump’s Last-Minute Dual Endorsement in South Carolina: A Strategic Move to Protect His Record
Donald Trump took to Truth Social last Friday to announce, “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! It’s a Wealth of Riches – With either one you can’t go wrong.” This unusual dual endorsement came after Trump’s original pick, Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, appeared to be trailing in the polls despite his support.
Shifting Endorsements to Avoid Losses
Trump’s decision to endorse both candidates was a clear attempt to avoid another high-profile setback to his endorsement record. Recent losses in Georgia’s and Iowa’s gubernatorial primaries had already dealt blows to his reputation as a kingmaker within the Republican Party. By backing both Evette and Attorney General Alan Wilson, Trump positioned himself to claim victory regardless of the outcome.
Fact-Checking Trump’s Position
The excerpt does not contain any outright false claims or disparagements by Trump but does highlight his strategic maneuvering. Rather than standing by his initial endorsement, Trump shifted his position in response to polling data, suggesting a willingness to hedge his bets to maintain his image of political influence. His statement, “With either one you can’t go wrong,” glosses over the reality that his original endorsement was not sufficient to boost Evette’s campaign, prompting the need for a last-minute adjustment.
Conclusion: Image Management Over Principle
Trump’s dual endorsement in the South Carolina governor’s race underscores his focus on protecting his personal brand and endorsement record, rather than steadfastly supporting a single candidate. This episode illustrates how Trump adapts his public positions to avoid the appearance of failure, prioritizing optics and political capital over consistency. As the general election approaches, Trump’s actions in South Carolina serve as a reminder of his ongoing efforts to shape the narrative around his influence within the Republican Party.
Source: https://www.politico.com/news/2026/06/23/wilson-wins-south-carolina-governor-primary-00973028