Will Trump endorse in SC governor’s race? Here’s what Lindsey Graham thinks
U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham is advising President Donald Trump to hold off endorsing in the governor’s race, at least for now.
“The president asked, I said, ‘just kind of let it play out a bit,’ ” Graham told reporters ahead of Saturday’s Silver Elephant gala, a South Carolina Republican Party fundraiser.
“I doubt if he would (endorse). Just wait and see what happens if there’s a runoff,” Graham added.
The race for governor includes five Republicans vying to succeed Gov. Henry McMaster, who can’t run for reelection in 2026.
With early polling showing none of the hopefuls near to the majority support needed to clinch the nomination, a runoff is expected.
Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, state Sen. Josh Kimbrell, U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace, U.S. Rep. Ralph Norman and Attorney General Alan Wilson have jumped into race for the Republican nomination for governor. Because South Carolina votes reliably Republican in statewide elections, winning the GOP nomination is expected to be the election.
Receiving Trump’s endorsement may be the key to winning the nomination as the president remains popular in the state. He carried in the 2016, 2020 and 2024 general elections and won in the 2016 and 2024 Republican presidential primaries. The president may be looking to see who can win the race and raise the necessary cash for a campaign before weighing in.
In 2018, Trump endorsed McMaster ahead of the primary and campaigned with him ahead of the runoff.
Graham said he expects the 2026 GOP race for governor to go to a runoff, and he said he, too, doesn’t expect to endorse anyone in the race.
“I just know them all, wish him all well,” Graham said.
Reporter Lucy Valeski contributed to this article.
This story was originally published August 12, 2025 at 3:09 PM.
