Gavin Jackson

But the president's blessing doesn't make the primary a slam dunk.

In his endorsement, Trump alluded to the idea that Governor Henry McMaster's son could be Evatt's running mate, a plan denied by Evatt and derided by the four other Republicans in the race.

Her biggest challenger is four-term Attorney General Alan Wilson, who occupies a similar political lane, emphasizing his support for the president.

Congresswoman Nancy Mace is also on the ballot.

The race is widely expected to go to a runoff, with no candidate likely to get above 50 percent plus one vote.

Three Democrats are vying for their party's nomination.

For NPR News, I'm Gavin Jackson in Columbia, South Carolina.

Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evatt is a longtime supporter of Trump.

Now she has his support in her bid to become the next governor of South Carolina.

But the president's blessing doesn't make the primary a slam dunk.

In his endorsement, Trump alluded to the idea that Governor Henry McMaster's son could be Evatt's running mate, a plan denied by Evatt and derided by the four other Republicans in the race.

Her biggest challenger is four-term Attorney General Alan Wilson, who occupies a similar political lane, emphasizing his support for the president.

Congresswoman Nancy Mace is also on the ballot.

The race is widely expected to go to a runoff, with no candidate likely to get above 50 percent plus one vote.

Three Democrats are vying for their party's nomination.

For NPR News, I'm Gavin Jackson in Columbia, South Carolina.

This all came to a head yesterday.

That was the first day of early voting for the primaries.

And Democrats were urging people to go to the polls.

And more than 30,000 votes had been cast already as lawmakers were meeting.