South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson has opened a commanding lead over Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette heading into Tuesday's Republican gubernatorial runoff, with new polling showing the race may already be decided.

The latest survey from FITSNews shows Wilson maintaining a massive advantage despite weeks of negative advertising from the Evette campaign. With Senator Ted Cruz's recent endorsement adding to his momentum, Wilson appears poised to capture the nomination and likely the governorship in reliably red South Carolina.

Cruz Endorsement Shifts the Dynamic

Texas Senator Ted Cruz entered the race last week with a full-throated endorsement of Wilson, declaring the attorney general has "the courage, conviction, and leadership South Carolina needs."

Cruz's intervention raises an obvious question: why would a Texas senator weigh in on a South Carolina race? The answer lies in the broader conservative movement. Wilson has positioned himself as a fighter against federal overreach and has built a national reputation through his legal challenges to Biden administration policies.

The endorsement joins those from Congressmen Nancy Mace and Ralph Norman, both of whom dropped out of the race and threw their support behind Wilson. That consolidation of the conservative wing has left Evette increasingly isolated.

Trump Takes Both Sides

In a notable development, President Trump announced Friday that he is co-endorsing both Wilson and Evette in the runoff. Governor Henry McMaster, who cannot seek another term, has backed Evette, his lieutenant governor.

Trump's dual endorsement effectively removes him as a factor in the race. Voters looking for presidential guidance will find none. The decision reflects Trump's reluctance to pick sides in contested primaries where both candidates have been loyal supporters.

The Negative Ad Barrage

Evette's campaign has unleashed a sustained attack on Wilson, but the polling suggests it has backfired. Wilson's lead has held steady or grown despite the onslaught.

South Carolina Republicans appear to have made up their minds. Wilson's tenure as attorney general, where he has led or joined numerous legal challenges to federal policy, has built a record that resonates with primary voters.

What Happens Next

The June 23 runoff will determine which Republican faces Democratic nominee in November. Given South Carolina's Republican lean, the primary winner will be heavily favored to become the next governor.

For Wilson, the path forward looks clear. Consolidate conservative support, weather the remaining attacks, and prepare for the general election. For Evette, the math has become daunting. Without a major shift in the race's trajectory, Tuesday may simply confirm what polling already suggests.

South Carolina Republicans want a governor who will fight. Alan Wilson has convinced them he is that fighter.