South Carolina primary results: Trump-backed Evette in runoff for governor, ABC News projects

South Carolina Gubernatorial Race Enters Runoff Phase as Trump Supporters Advance

South Carolina primary results - Following the conclusion of the South Carolina Republican primary for governor,

“The path to the November general election has been set,”

said ABC News, which has projected that Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette and State Attorney General Alan Wilson will face off in a runoff. Evette, a long-time political figure, and Wilson, a seasoned legal leader, emerged victorious over a field of contenders, including U.S. Representative Nancy Mace. This outcome marks a pivotal moment in the state’s electoral landscape, with the runoff scheduled for June 23. The victor of this contest will then challenge state Representative Jermaine Johnson in the Democratic primary, a race also expected to be won by Johnson, according to the network’s analysis.

Political Dynamics in the Governor’s Race

Evette’s campaign has been heavily bolstered by her alignment with former President Donald Trump, a key factor in her strong showing among Republican voters. Her platform emphasizes fiscal conservatism and a focus on reducing government spending, resonating with a base that has grown increasingly polarized in recent years. Wilson, meanwhile, has positioned himself as a reformist figure, advocating for criminal justice changes and expanding access to healthcare. Their competition in the runoff has sparked speculation about the future direction of South Carolina’s leadership, with both candidates drawing support from different wings of the party.

Nancy Mace, who ran for governor in the Republican primary, found herself in a tough position after losing to Evette and Wilson. Despite her staunch support for Trump, Mace faced criticism for her decision to vote in favor of releasing documents related to the Jeffrey Epstein case.

“I believe transparency is essential, even when it challenges the status quo,”

Mace stated in a recent interview, defending her actions as a necessary step to hold public officials accountable. However, her move was seen by some as a calculated risk, given the potential fallout from alienating Trump’s loyal base.

The runoff for governor has drawn significant attention due to its implications for the state’s political future. South Carolina, often a bellwether for national trends, has seen a surge in voter engagement this cycle, with early results indicating a shift toward more conservative policies. Evette’s victory in the primary suggests a strong backing from Trump’s core supporters, while Wilson’s performance has raised questions about the party’s internal divisions. Analysts note that the runoff could serve as a microcosm of broader ideological battles within the Republican Party.

Senate Race Set for November as Incumbent Faces Democratic Challenger

While the governor’s race captures headlines, the Senate contest in South Carolina also reached a critical juncture. ABC News projects that Senator Lindsey Graham, the current occupant of the seat, will secure the Republican nomination. Graham, a veteran politician with decades of experience, has maintained a stronghold in the state, leveraging his bipartisan appeal and deep connections in both parties. His campaign has focused on national security, judicial reform, and economic growth, positioning him as a unifying figure in the state’s politics.

His Democratic opponent, Annie Andrews, has gained traction as a progressive candidate. A pediatrician by profession, Andrews previously ran for the state’s 1st congressional district in 2022, where she campaigned on healthcare access and climate action. Her return to the Senate race this year has been met with enthusiasm from Democrats, who view her as a fresh voice in the state’s legislative affairs.

“We need leaders who prioritize the people over the powerful,”

Andrews said in a recent statement, highlighting her commitment to public service.

The Senate race is expected to be a rematch of the 2022 contest, which saw Graham narrowly defeat Democrat Elizabeth Dole. This time, Andrews has positioned herself as a strong alternative, capitalizing on voter dissatisfaction with Graham’s policies and his recent actions on the Epstein files. Her campaign has emphasized her grassroots connections and focus on local issues, contrasting with Graham’s more nationalistic messaging. The November election will serve as a referendum on the state’s political priorities, with the outcome likely influencing the balance of power in the Senate.

Broader Implications for the 2026 Election Cycle

The results of South Carolina’s primary elections are shaping the 2026 electoral landscape, with both the governor’s and Senate races pointing to a possible realignment of power. For the governor’s race, the runoff between Evette and Wilson could determine the trajectory of the state’s policies in the coming years. Evette’s win in the primary underscores the continued influence of Trump’s support base, while Wilson’s campaign has drawn attention for its emphasis on modernizing state governance.

Meanwhile, the Senate race between Graham and Andrews highlights the competition between established politicians and emerging voices. Graham’s re-election bid is seen as a test of his ability to maintain relevance in an increasingly diverse political environment, while Andrews’ campaign represents a shift toward progressive values in South Carolina. Both races are expected to be closely contested, with early polling suggesting that the margins could be slim.

South Carolina’s primary results also reflect the state’s role as a key battleground in national politics. The runoff for governor, in particular, has drawn interest from national media and political analysts, who are watching for signs of how the electorate will respond to the current administration’s policies. With the November general election approaching, the focus will shift to how these candidates will campaign in the final stretch, with their strategies likely to determine the outcome.

For the Democratic primary, Jermaine Johnson’s projected win has solidified his position as the party’s standard-bearer. Johnson, a state representative known for his advocacy of education reform and healthcare expansion, has built a campaign around unity and forward-looking policies. His victory is seen as a sign of growing support for progressive platforms within the party, though it also raises questions about his ability to compete with the Republican candidates in the general election.

Key Takeaways and Voter Engagement

South Carolina’s primary elections have demonstrated the intensity of voter engagement in this year’s cycle. With multiple high-profile races and a diverse array of candidates, the state has become a focal point for national political discourse. The runoff for governor, in particular, has been marked by fierce competition and a focus on key issues such as economic policy, law enforcement, and judicial independence.

As the electorate prepares for the runoff, the race has drawn comparisons to previous high-stakes contests in the state. The contrast between Evette and Wilson’s platforms has highlighted the ideological spectrum within the Republican Party, while the Democratic primary’s outcome has underscored the party’s commitment to progressive values. These races are not only important for South Carolina’s future but also serve as a barometer for national trends, with their results likely to inform strategies in other states.

The live election results, which are available below, will continue to evolve as more votes are counted. Voters in the state have shown a strong turnout, with early results indicating a split in preferences across different demographics. This momentum is expected to carry into the runoff and general election, making South Carolina a critical state to watch in the months ahead. As the final stages of the campaign unfold, the stakes for both parties will remain high, with the outcome shaping the political landscape for years to come.

Conclusion: A Nation’s Attention on South Carolina

South Carolina’s primary results have set the stage for a competitive November election, with the governor’s and Senate races serving as major indicators of the state’s political direction. The runoff between Evette and Wilson, backed by Trump, reflects the enduring influence of the former president’s movement, while the Senate contest between Graham and Andrews showcases the state’s evolving political dynamics. With both races projected to have close margins, the final votes will determine the next chapter in South Carolina’s electoral history.

For the broader nation, the outcomes in South Carolina will provide insights into how voters are responding to the current political climate. The state’s mix of rural and urban constituencies has created a unique environment where both traditional and modern policies are being tested. As the campaigns intensify, the candidates will face the challenge of persuading voters to support their visions for the future, with the November elections set to decide the state’s leadership and legislative direction.

Overall, South Carolina’s primary results underscore the importance of the state in national politics. The runoff for governor and the Senate race will serve as critical junctures in the 2026 election cycle, with their outcomes likely to impact not only the state but also the wider political landscape. As voters prepare to cast their ballots, the focus remains on the key issues that will shape the next era of governance in South Carolina.