South Carolina Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette entered the 2026 race for governor Monday evening, energizing supporters with a campaign launch in Greenville that immediately rippled through state politics. Her candidacy comes as term-limited Governor Henry McMaster prepares for his final months in office, making the state’s top job an open contest for the first time since 2010.
Evette’s announcement video, released earlier the same day, featured both McMaster—who praised her tenure as his partner in office—and former President Donald Trump. The video and her public remarks made one thing clear: Evette intends to leverage her deep relationships with both McMaster and Trump to cut through an increasingly crowded GOP primary.
Key Points Summary
- Pamela Evette announced her run for South Carolina governor on July 15, 2025.
- The announcement highlighted her connections with outgoing Gov. Henry McMaster and former President Donald Trump.
- Evette is the third Republican to declare a bid, joining Attorney General Alan Wilson and State Senator Josh Kimbrell.
- She emphasized experience, policy continuity, and direct lines to influential leaders in her speech.
- More Republican contenders, including Rep. Nancy Mace, may still enter the race.
Evette Highlights Conservative Credentials and Trump Relationship
Speaking to an audience of hundreds in Greenville, Evette cast herself as “a mother, a conservative businesswoman, and a fighter.” Her pitch centered on her six years supporting and helping shape Gov. McMaster’s conservative agenda, as well as her well-established rapport with Trump—an alliance she noted would be uniquely helpful with the former president seeking another term in the White House.
“With President Trump back in the White House, South Carolina needs a governor who has his trust—a governor who doesn’t need to build a relationship, but can pick up the phone and get things done for South Carolina, because that relationship already exists,” Evette told supporters.
Evette served as McMaster’s lieutenant since their historic joint ticket win in 2018, after a change to the state constitution required gubernatorial candidates to choose running mates. During her tenure, she championed issues ranging from tax reform and job creation to education and conservation.
The Growing Republican Field
The race for the GOP nomination is intensifying. Attorney General Alan Wilson announced his gubernatorial bid in June, citing steadfast conservative values and a promise to seek Trump’s endorsement. State Senator Josh Kimbrell has also launched his campaign, while U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace has signaled she may join the fray soon.
Candidates see Trump’s support as pivotal. His endorsement in 2018 was instrumental in securing McMaster’s primary runoff victory, cementing his reputation as a kingmaker in South Carolina politics. Political observers anticipate that Trump’s voice will again wield significant influence in the 2026 primaries.
| Candidate | Notable Support | Key Messages |
|---|---|---|
| Pamela Evette | Henry McMaster, Donald Trump | Experience, Trump ties, continuity |
| Alan Wilson | Seeks Trump endorsement | Conservative values, reform |
| Josh Kimbrell | GOP grassroots | New leadership, conservative vision |
| Nancy Mace (likely) | Name recognition, independent stance | Possible outsider |
Republican Voters Weigh Familiar Faces and Trump Factor
Recent polling underscores the importance of Trump’s approval, with the former president maintaining strong popularity among South Carolina Republicans. A Winthrop University poll showed that while Rep. Mace and Attorney General Wilson enjoyed the highest name recognition, Evette’s profile and established relationships may give her a competitive edge as the campaign unfolds.
Evette’s campaign pitch leans heavily on continuity, both in policy and in relationships with prominent national conservatives. Her claim of being able to “pick up the phone” and reach the most influential Republican figures could resonate with primary voters eager for both stability and direct access to power.
What’s Next for the GOP Contest?
With the primary field not yet settled and additional Republican hopefuls considered likely to announce, the next several months are expected to bring intense campaigning, strategic endorsements, and close attention to every public move by Trump. Observers will also be watching for any signals from outgoing Governor McMaster about his preferred successor—though, as of now, he has not indicated an endorsement.
The race is shaping up as a defining moment for South Carolina Republicans: Will voters choose established experience and high-level connections, or will they seek a fresh face and message for the post-McMaster era?
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