COLUMBIA, S.C. — In a significant political move, former President Donald Trump announced his endorsement of three Republican candidates for governor on Friday, injecting his influential presence into the upcoming primaries in South Carolina, Iowa, and Oklahoma. These states are witnessing their most competitive GOP gubernatorial contests in recent years.

Trump took to social media to extend his support to South Carolina Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, Iowa Rep. Randy Feenstra, and former Oklahoma state senator Mike Mazzei, as primary elections loom. Iowa's primary is set for this Tuesday, followed by South Carolina on June 9, and Oklahoma on June 16.

Evette, who has served two terms alongside South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster — a staunch early supporter of Trump's initial presidential bid — received praise from Trump. He expressed gratitude for her support during his 2024 campaign trail and highlighted the potential addition of McMaster's son as her running mate as "A BIG added plus." The endorsement battle in South Carolina has been particularly fierce, underscoring the state's strong Republican leanings.

In Iowa, Trump hailed Feenstra as "MAGA all the way," committing to "fight tirelessly" on key issues such as the economy, border security, and law enforcement. Feenstra, who has been vocal about his desire for Trump’s endorsement, is facing competition from four other Republicans, including state Rep. Eddie Andrews and former state Rep. Brad Sherman, as they vie to replace outgoing Gov. Kim Reynolds.

The race in Oklahoma also heats up with Trump's backing of Mazzei, who is in the running to succeed Gov. Kevin Stitt. Competing against figures like state Attorney General Gentner Drummond and former state House Speaker Charles McCall, Mazzei secured Trump’s "Complete and Total Endorsement," a significant boon to his campaign.

As these primaries approach, the endorsements are expected to significantly influence the dynamics within the Republican Party, potentially swaying the outcome in favor of Trump’s picks. The former president's involvement underscores his continued impact on the political landscape, shaping not only the gubernatorial races but also setting the tone for the GOP's future direction.