South Carolina Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette said she was confident Tuesday as voters headed to the polls in the state's closely watched Republican gubernatorial primary.

She said her conservative record, endorsements from President Donald Trump and Gov. Henry McMaster, and her vision for keeping South Carolina on what she called a successful path, would win the day.

Speaking on Newsmax's "National Report" as voting got underway, Evette said she was encouraged by the energy she has seen across the state during her campaign to succeed the term-limited McMaster.

"Well, I'm feeling really good. Confident, lots of great energy coming from all around the state," Evette said.

The Republican primary has drawn national attention as a test of Trump's influence in a crowded race that includes U.S. Reps. Nancy Mace and Ralph Norman, South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson, and businessman Rom Reddy.

Trump endorsed Evette in late May, while McMaster also backed his longtime lieutenant governor.

Reflecting on her candidacy, Evette described the significance of seeing her name on the ballot.

"I had to pinch myself today. My husband and I, the whole family was out voting. And to see my name on that voting machine," she said.

"You know, my grandparents were Polish immigrants. And I can only imagine what they must be thinking up in heaven today, looking down to say, Wow, what a great move.

"Our granddaughter is now running for governor of one of the best states, the best state in the country."

Evette argued that South Carolina's growth has been driven by conservative policies that continue to attract new residents.

"I've been boots on the ground here now for eight years, and I have traveled all 46 counties campaigning," she said. "Republicans are leaving blue states and coming to South Carolina because of our conservative values."

She said many newcomers are fleeing high taxes and restrictions on conservative viewpoints.

"They're tired of high taxes. They're tired of conservative speech being stomped out in the state they're coming from," Evette said.

As governor, Evette said she would pursue an ambitious conservative agenda that includes eliminating South Carolina's income tax, reducing regulations, expanding school choice and changing the state's judicial election process.

"I plan on making sure we eliminate our state income tax. We get rid of useless regulations, we push school choice, finally, full universal school choice," she said.

Evette also vowed to protect conservative viewpoints at institutions receiving state funding.

"If institutions that receive our state taxpayer dollars tries to stomp out conservative speech, as South Carolina's next governor, I'm going to make sure we pull away their funding," she said.

The lieutenant governor credited McMaster's administration for South Carolina's economic and political success over the past eight years.

"I would tell you this is the most conservative success story in America, South Carolina," Evette said. "And it's because we have done things the right way. And I'm going to continue our legacy on."

Evette also highlighted Trump's endorsement, saying the president told her she was uniquely positioned to advance his priorities in the state.

"He said, 'You were always with me, and you're the only one that has the resume to make sure that you can bring my America First agenda to South Carolina and keep it there,'" Evette said.

In a final appeal to voters, Evette emphasized her business background and experience serving under McMaster.

"When you look at going out, look at all of our resumes," she said, "I was a successful CEO in the private sector, and I've sat at the right hand of the greatest governor in South Carolina's history."

"The choice is really clear. Go out and vote for Pamela Evette, and let's celebrate."

South Carolina law requires a candidate to receive more than 50% of the vote to avoid a runoff election. If no candidate reaches that threshold, the top two finishers will advance to a June 23 runoff.