Source: Politics<\/p>\n
COLUMBIA, S.C. \u2014 President Donald Trump endorsed three Republican gubernatorial candidates Friday, wading into contests in South Carolina, Iowa and Oklahoma that have pitted allies against each other in a fierce competition for their party leader\u2019s blessing.<\/p>\n
In a trio of social media posts, Trump gave his backing to South Carolina Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, Iowa Rep. Randy Feenstra and former Oklahoma state senator Mike Mazzei as primary elections approach.<\/p>\n
Iowa\u2019s primary is Tuesday, South Carolina\u2019s is on June 9 and Oklahoma\u2019s is on June 16. All three states are having their first competitive Republican gubernatorial primaries in years.<\/p>\n
For two terms, Evette has served alongside Gov. Henry McMaster, one of Trump\u2019s earliest backers during his first presidential campaign. Earlier this year, the long-serving governor endorsed his No. 2, telegraphing to some that Trump\u2019s backing could be next.<\/p>\n
On Friday, Trump expressed both appreciation for Evette and the state she represents, noting that she stumped for him in 2024. He also said \u201cA BIG added plus\u201d for her campaign is that Henry McMaster Jr. \u2014 the sitting governor\u2019s son \u2014 may be Evette\u2019s running mate.<\/p>\n
In the deep red state of South Carolina, the competition for the president\u2019s support has been the most intense part of the primary race.<\/p>\n
In a separate post, Trump described Feenstra as \u201cMAGA all the way\u201d and said he would \u201cfight tirelessly\u201d for the state on issues including the economy, border security and support of law enforcement.<\/p>\n
Evette and Feenstra have been vocal about wanting Trump\u2019s endorsement, in the hopes that it would carry weight in states that helped propel Trump\u2019s return to office in 2024. Feenstra said earlier this year that he asked for Trump\u2019s support, and much of Evette\u2019s campaign media has featured photos of her next to Trump.<\/p>\n
Along with Feenstra, four other Republicans \u2014 state Rep. Eddie Andrews, businessman and former conservative political director Zach Lahn, former state Rep. Brad Sherman and former director of the state Department of Administrative Services Adam Steen \u2014 are in the primary to replace outgoing Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds, who opted out of a third bid.<\/p>\n
Evette is competing for the South Carolina nomination against Rep. Nancy Mace, Rep. Ralph Norman and state Attorney General Alan Wilson.<\/p>\n
Mazzei is running to replace Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt, who is finishing his second term. He\u2019s competing against state Attorney General Gentner Drummond, former state House Speaker Charles McCall and former state public safety secretary Chip Keating.<\/p>\n
\u201cMike Mazzei has my Complete and Total Endorsement to be the next Governor of Oklahoma \u2014 HE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!\u201d Trump wrote on social media.<\/p>\n