Trump gains 30 GOP endorsements in South Carolina

According to a press release from the former president's team, Trump now has the endorsement of "over 80 current and former Republican officials endorsing his campaign" in South Carolina. That is more than any other GOP candidate, including former state Gov. Nikki Haley.

"Today’s announcement is in addition to the more than 250 grassroots leaders who endorsed President Trump in South Carolina in June," the statement added.

State Senator and Senate Banking and Insurance Committee Chairman Ronnie Cromer and State Representative and House Ways & Means Chairman Bruce Bannister are two who previously endorsed Scott and switched to Trump when he dropped out.

Cromer said, "South Carolina saw its best years under President Trump and the McMaster-Evette Administration." He added, "Tim Scott is a dear friend, and now that he is out of the race, I strongly urge South Carolina’s voters to join me in rallying behind President Trump."

After supporting South Carolina’s own beloved Senator Tim Scott, I am excited today to wholeheartedly endorse President Trump as the best candidate to defeat Joe Biden in 2024,” Bannister said. "He is a proven leader who will turn around the economy, protect our border, and make America energy independent once again.”

The latest endorsement comes as the former president holds a commanding lead in the GOP primary. A recent Harvard/Harris poll shows him at 67 percent of national GOP primary voters, with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis at 8 percent and former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley at 8 percent.

South Carolina will host its primary on February 24, 2024, just after Iowa, New Hampshire, and Nevada. Trump is expected to attend a college a college football game Saturday between Nikki Haley's alma mater Clemson University and the University of South Carolina.