Trump-backed Pamela Evette and South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson advanced to a Republican gubernatorial runoff after a crowded primary field.

The winner is expected to have a strong advantage in the general election in the heavily conservative state, where Democrat Jermaine Johnson will be the nominee.

The race marked a significant defeat for Congresswoman Nancy Mace, who blamed her loss in part on her support for releasing the Epstein files.

Evette, the current lieutenant governor, led in fundraising, while Wilson has served as attorney general since 2011, The Guardian has reported.

Other notable outcomes included Senator Lindsey Graham securing the Republican nomination for his Senate seat despite multiple challengers.