South Carolina voters pick GOP governor nominee, test Trump’s clout
Why it matters: The winner will shape an early 2028 primary state, while Lindsey Graham also faces a Republican test for Senate.
South Carolina voters headed to the polls Tuesday to choose party nominees for governor, U.S. Senate and other offices in a closely watched primary that could measure President Donald Trump’s influence with Republicans. Trump endorsed Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette in the open governor’s race to replace term-limited Gov. Henry McMaster, who also backed her. Other Republican contenders include U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace, U.S. Rep. Ralph Norman and Attorney General Alan Wilson. On the Democratic side, state Rep. Jermaine Johnson, attorney Mullins McLeod and businessman Billy Webster are running. Sen. Lindsey Graham, seeking a fifth term, entered the final stretch with more than $4.2 million on hand after spending more than $29 million, far ahead of his primary rivals.