President Trump Jumps Into Two GOP Governor Primaries Days Before Voters Decide

President Trump just threw his weight behind two Republican candidates in contested governor primaries, endorsing Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette in South Carolina and Rep. Randy Feenstra in Iowa with days left before Tuesday’s votes.

The late endorsements arrived Friday and immediately shifted the dynamics in both races.

In Iowa, Trump posted his full endorsement of Feenstra on Truth Social, calling him “MAGA all the way.”

KCCI published Trump’s full statement:

Highly Respected American First Congressman, Randy Feenstra, is running for Governor of Iowa, a place I love and WON BIG in 2016, 2020, and 2024, getting the highest Vote in the History of Iowa. Randy is MAGA all the way!

A Fourth Generation Iowan, successful Businessman, former Treasurer of Sioux County, State Senator, and now, as a distinguished U.S. Congressman, Randy has delivered strong results for the Hawkeye State. As your next Governor, Randy will fight tirelessly to Grow the Economy, Cut Taxes and Regulations, Promote MADE IN THE U.S.A., Unleash American Energy DOMINANCE, Champion our Amazing Farmers and Ranchers, Empower Ethanol, Keep our Border SECURE, Stop Migrant Crime, Ensure LAW AND ORDER, Strengthen our incredible Military, Veterans, and Law Enforcement, Advance Election Integrity, and Defend our always under siege Second Amendment.

Randy Feenstra has my Complete and Total Endorsement to be the next Governor of Iowa — RANDY WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN! President DONALD J. TRUMP

Feenstra is facing four other Republicans in the primary: Eddie Andrews, Zach Lahn, Brad Sherman, and Adam Steen.

The endorsement came in the final days before Tuesday’s vote, and local Iowa media called it potentially the most valuable Republican endorsement in the race.

In South Carolina, Trump backed Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette over a crowded field that includes Rep. Nancy Mace and Attorney General Alan Wilson.

Evette responded on X:

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

Trump also claimed that Henry McMaster Jr., son of the current governor, would be Evette’s running mate if she wins.

Rep. Nancy Mace, one of Evette’s rivals, responded with a lengthy statement that praised Trump but made clear she isn’t backing down.

FOX Carolina published part of her reaction:

I have enormous respect for President Trump and everything he has done for our country and for South Carolina. That respect is genuine and it is unchanged.

We have a state that’s corrupt. A system that’s broken.

And an establishment who wants to stay in the shadows.

It’s been that way for the last decade since Pam Evette’s been in office, and with the governor’s son Henry Jr. as her running mate, South Carolina can expect more of the same.

I WILL DRAIN THE SWAMP, not keep the same creatures there.

I’ve stood up against Republicans and Democrats alike. And I would do it all over again and in a heartbeat.

I am the only candidate in this race with a detailed plan to eliminate South Carolina’s state income tax and lower the cost of living for every family.

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I am the only candidate who took on and took out a sanctuary sheriff in South Carolina. I am the only candidate who supported the largest roads and bridges grant in state history.

Attorney General Alan Wilson also responded on X:

No one’s fought harder or risked more for President Trump and his agenda than I have. I look forward to continuing to deliver real results for South Carolina families as their next Governor. And congratulations to Pam Evette for picking Henry McMaster Jr. to be her running mate.

— Alan Wilson (@AGAlanWilson) May 29, 2026