South Carolina

President Trump stresses support for SC Gov. McMaster

Republican governor candidates participate in a gubernatorial between challenger John Warren and Governor Henry McMaster Wednesday, June 20, 2018, at Newberry Opera House in Newberry, S. C. (Andrew Whitaker/The Post And Courier via AP)

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump is stressing his support for South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster, who is competing in a runoff election for the GOP gubernatorial nomination.

Trump, who will appear in Columbia Monday for McMaster, tweets Thursday: "Henry worked so hard & was so loyal to me that I look forward to reciprocating!" He added the "State is BOOMING."

Trump visits a day before voters decide between McMaster and businessman John Warren in a runoff. McMaster was the top vote-getter in a June 12 primary but fell short of the 50 percent needed to win the nomination outright.

Trump previously endorsed McMaster, who as lieutenant governor was the nation's first statewide elected official to back Trump in early 2016. McMaster became governor when Trump selected Nikki Haley as his U.N. ambassador.