Trump Holds Dominant Influence in South Carolina’s 3rd District

​Donald Trump’s endorsement played a significant role in propelling GOP Rep. Nancy Mace to victory in South Carolina’s 1^st District primary with 57% of the vote.

In the less-covered open 3^rd District primary, Trump’s endorsement also helped outsider Mark Burns secure a first-place finish with 33% of the vote.

Burns, a black pastor with Trump’s backing, will face retired Air National Guard Lieutenant Colonel Sheri Biggs in a runoff on June 25.

Time Magazine dubbed Burns “Donald Trump’s Top Pastor” after his powerful speeches at the 2016 Republican National Convention. Trump endorsed Burns on the day he filed for the retiring Rep. Jeff Duncan’s seat.

Both Burns and Biggs share strong Trump Republican values, including support for the Second Amendment, border security, and antiabortion stances.

The “seal of approval” from Trump has been a critical factor in Burns’ success and is expected to impact the upcoming runoff election.

John Gizzi is chief political columnist and White House correspondent for Newsmax. For more of his reports, Go Here Now.