Former President Donald Trump officially entered the fray of the 2024 Republican gubernatorial cycle on Friday, issuing endorsements for candidates in South Carolina, Iowa, and Oklahoma. Through a series of social media announcements, Trump threw his support behind South Carolina Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, Iowa Rep. Randy Feenstra, and former Oklahoma state senator Mike Mazzei, signaling his continued influence over party primary contests.
The Stakes of Primary Influence
These endorsements arrive as all three states prepare for their first highly competitive Republican gubernatorial primaries in several years. With the primary elections scheduled for Tuesday in Iowa, June 9 in South Carolina, and June 16 in Oklahoma, the timing of these announcements is designed to provide maximum momentum to the chosen candidates.
For many Republican contenders, securing the former president’s blessing remains a primary objective. In South Carolina, where the competition for the nomination has been particularly intense, candidates have actively sought to align themselves with Trump’s platform. Evette, who has served alongside Governor Henry McMaster, positioned herself early as an ally, with the governor himself signaling support for her campaign earlier this year.
Shifting Landscapes in State Politics
The political landscape in these states is currently undergoing significant transitions. In Iowa, Gov. Kim Reynolds has declined to seek a third term, leaving a wide-open field that includes Rep. Feenstra, state Rep. Eddie Andrews, and several other challengers. Trump’s endorsement of Feenstra, whom he labeled as
