South Carolina Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, who was endorsed by President Donald Trump, will advance to a runoff election in two weeks, according to The Associated Press. The top two finishers in the primary will advance to the June 23 Republican runoff, with the winner considered the clear favorite in the general election in the solidly red southeastern state.

Trump’s Endorsement Power

Trump’s immense clout over the GOP is facing another test in South Carolina. The president’s endorsement of Evette, praising her as an “America First Patriot” and a “WINNER,” helped boost her bid to succeed term-limited GOP Gov. Henry McMaster.

The major contenders in the South Carolina GOP gubernatorial primary had long been highlighting their support for Trump and his agenda, in hopes of landing his support. After Trump backed Evette, Rep. Nancy Mace said that her vocal push last year for the Justice Department to release the files related to its probe into convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein contributed to the president’s backing of her rival.

The comment by the president led to speculation that McMaster, who is in his 10th year as governor, was trying to give his son a political boost. However, McMaster denied any deal or pressure, and Evette has said she wouldn’t name any running mate until after the primary is over.

Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.