In between his Iran decision making and torching the courts for their ruling against him on the Trump-Kennedy Center on Friday, President Donald Trump took to Truth Social to issue a string of endorsements in key Republican primary races. Republican Rep. Nancy Mace (SC-01) is not running for reelection to Congress because she put her hat in early to run for governor of South Carolina. In 2024, Mace endorsed Donald Trump, and worked hard to stump for Trump-Vance in the hopes of getting his coveted endorsement when she mounted her gubernatorial bid.
But that was then, and this is now. As Trump is wont to do, he bucked the conventional wisdom and has endorsed current SC Lt. Governor Pam Evette (R) instead.
Highly Respected and very popular Lieutenant Governor of South Carolina, Pam Evette, is an America First Patriot who has been with me from the very beginning. She never wavered, never let me down, and was the only South Carolina Gubernatorial Candidate to Endorse me as soon as I… pic.twitter.com/75w4e9eXNc
— Commentary Donald J Trump Truth Social Posts On X (@TrumpTruthOnX) May 29, 2026
Highly Respected and very popular Lieutenant Governor of South Carolina, Pam Evette, is an America First Patriot who has been with me from the very beginning. She never wavered, never let me down, and was the only South Carolina Gubernatorial Candidate to Endorse me as soon as I launched my 2024 Presidential Campaign. She crisscrossed South Carolina and other States for me, and I said, at the time, that this is truly something which I cannot forget! Now Pam is running to be the next Governor of South Carolina, a place I love and WON BIG in 2016, 2020, and 2024, getting the Highest Vote, BY FAR, in the State’s History. A successful Entrepreneur, Businesswoman, and Civic Leader, prior to becoming a distinguished Lieutenant Governor, and working with my friend, and GREAT Governor, Henry McMaster, Pam has proven she has the Courage and Wisdom to deliver strong results for the people of her wonderful State, and our Nation. As your next Governor, Pam will fight hard to Grow the Economy, Cut Taxes and Regulations, Promote MADE IN THE U.S.A., Champion our Amazing Farmers and Ranchers, Keep our Border SECURE, Stop Migrant Crime, Strengthen our Military/Veterans, Safeguard our Elections, and Protect our always under siege Second Amendment. Pam Evette is a good friend, fighter, and WINNER, and will be a terrific Governor of South Carolina. Pam has my Complete and Total Endorsement — SHE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN! A BIG added plus for Pam is that, I hear, Henry McMaster, Jr., the brilliant and very competent son of Henry and Peggy, will be running with her as the next Lieutenant Governor. I LOVE SOUTH CAROLINA! President DONALD J. TRUMP
Evette graciously accepted the endorsement, prominently placing Trump's Truth on her campaign site and social media.
I am deeply honored to receive President @realDonaldTrump’s Complete and Total Endorsement for Governor of South Carolina.
— Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette (@PamelaEvette) May 29, 2026
Thank you, Mr. President! 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/iMGUkvhLof
Thank you President @realDonaldTrump. Your walk down that golden escalator is what propelled me into politics. You showed what a businessperson can do to make America Great Again. I am incredibly grateful for your support and will never let you down. pic.twitter.com/dljA5w9vCV
— Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette (@PamelaEvette) May 29, 2026
If Nancy Mace's social media posts are any indication, she was apparently blindsided. On Friday, around 9:00 AM, with whispers of the Trump endorsement of Evette on the wind, Mace posted this screed.
Pamela Evette is NOT ENDORSED BY DONALD TRUMP. She’s LYING.
— Nancy Mace (@NancyMace) May 29, 2026
Only to find herself at the end of the day having her post proven wrong by Community Notes, and Trump himself.
After the loss of Trump's endorsement, Mace issued this statement on X, pointing to her demanding transparency on the Epstein Files as the reason why she did not receive it.
US Rep. Nancy Mace issues statement after Trump endorses Evette for SC Governor, writing in part that she knew "I put the likelihood of an endorsement on the line when I demanded transparency on the Epstein files. ...
— Caitlin Byrd (@MaryCaitlinByrd) May 29, 2026
If this is the price of an endorsement, I will never pay it." pic.twitter.com/izeD5WX6GQ
It seems the primary battle has already turned into a catfight, and we will probably see more fur fly as the June 9 South Carolina election date approaches. However, if you thought Nancy Mace played ugly, apparently Evette has no compunction in baring her claws. Her ad is below.
Hey Nancy, maybe you shouldn't have knifed the President so many times for your own gain. https://t.co/SAmEF6lAbS pic.twitter.com/OgHw3lWJNW
— Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette (@PamelaEvette) May 29, 2026
Get your popcorn ready.
Editor’s Note: The 2026 Midterms will determine the fate of President Trump’s America First agenda. Republicans must maintain control of both chambers of Congress.
Help RedState continue to report on the Democrats’ radicalism and inform voters as our nation faces a crossroads. Join RedState VIP and use promo code FIGHT to receive 60% off your membership.
Editor’s Note: The 2026 Midterms will determine the fate of President Trump’s America First agenda. Republicans must maintain control of both chambers of Congress.
Help RedState continue to report on the Democrats’ radicalism and inform voters as our nation faces a crossroads. Join RedState VIP and use promo code FIGHT to receive 60% off your membership.
Join the conversation as a VIP Member