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COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — On Friday, former President Donald Trump stepped into the political arena by endorsing three Republican candidates for governor in South Carolina, Iowa, and Oklahoma. These endorsements have stirred intense rivalry among party members eager for Trump’s support.
Trump announced his endorsements via social media, championing South Carolina’s Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, Iowa’s Rep. Randy Feenstra, and former Oklahoma state senator Mike Mazzei, as they gear up for their respective primary battles.
The states are preparing for crucial primary elections: Iowa on Tuesday, South Carolina on June 9, and Oklahoma on June 16. Each state is experiencing its first significant Republican gubernatorial primary contest in several years.
Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette has been a close ally of South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster, who was among Trump’s earliest supporters during his initial presidential run. Earlier this year, McMaster endorsed Evette, suggesting to some observers that Trump’s endorsement might follow.
Trump praised Evette and her advocacy for him during the 2024 campaign, highlighting an intriguing aspect of her candidacy — the possibility that Henry McMaster Jr., the current governor’s son, could join her as a running mate, which he described as “A BIG added plus.”
In the deep red state of South Carolina, the competition for the president’s support has been the most intense part of the primary race.
In a separate post, Trump described Feenstra as “MAGA all the way” and said he would “fight tirelessly” for the state on issues including the economy, border security and support of law enforcement.
Evette and Feenstra have been vocal about wanting Trump’s endorsement, in the hopes that it would carry weight in states that helped propel Trump’s return to office in 2024. Feenstra said earlier this year that he asked for Trump’s support, and much of Evette’s campaign media has featured photos of her next to Trump.
Along with Feenstra, four other Republicans — state Rep. Eddie Andrews, businessman and former conservative political director Zach Lahn, former state Rep. Brad Sherman and former director of the state Department of Administrative Services Adam Steen — are in the primary to replace outgoing Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds, who opted out of a third bid.
Evette is competing for the South Carolina nomination against Rep. Nancy Mace, Rep. Ralph Norman and state Attorney General Alan Wilson.
Mazzei is running to replace Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt, who is finishing his second term. He’s competing against state Attorney General Gentner Drummond, former state House Speaker Charles McCall and former state public safety secretary Chip Keating.
“Mike Mazzei has my Complete and Total Endorsement to be the next Governor of Oklahoma — HE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!” Trump wrote on social media.
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Hannah Fingerhut contributed reporting from Des Moines, Iowa.
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