The South Carolina Republican Party could cancel its presidential primary in 2020 to protect President Trump from any possible challengers.

Drew McKissick, chairman of the South Carolina GOP, told the Washington Examiner that he didn’t think Trump would face a primary challenge but that he wasn’t taking any chances.

He said the state party executive committee hadn’t held any formal discussions about the contest, called “first in the South” and usually third in the US.

But McKissick would not rule out canceling the primary, suggesting that would be his preference.

“We have complete autonomy and flexibility in either direction,” McKissick told the paper.

“Considering the fact that the entire party supports the president, we’ll end up doing what’s in the president’s best interest.”

Trump’s Republican allies in the state, including Gov. Henry McMaster, aren’t likely to complain.

“Pigs will fly before the South Carolina GOP allows Trump to have opposition,” said Matt Moore, McKissick’s predecessor as chair of the state party.

“There is precedent; the state canceled the GOP primary in 2004 to protect President George W. Bush.”