Rep. Nancy Mace just threw her hat into the ring for South Carolina’s 2026 gubernatorial race.
Fox News reported that the three-term congresswoman from South Carolina’s Lowcountry launched her campaign Monday, aiming to replace term-limited Gov. Henry McMaster with a fiery conservative vision.
At a Charleston event held at her alma mater, the Citadel, Mace unveiled a 10-point plan billed as a "common sense roadmap" to overhaul the state.
“I’m running to put South Carolina first,” Mace declared, promising to shake up the status quo. Her words sound inspiring, but skeptics might wonder if it’s just campaign-trail bravado.
She criticized “weak leadership” and vowed to bring bold policies to the governor’s mansion. Yet, her broad strokes leave room for questions about specifics.
Mace’s agenda, detailed on her new campaign website, emphasizes conservative priorities. It’s a clear play for the GOP base, though some may see it as pandering.
The GOP primary is already packed, with Attorney General Alan Wilson, Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, state Sen. Josh Kimbrell, and Rep. Ralph Norman vying for the nomination. Mace called it a “two-man race” between her and Wilson. That’s a bold claim, potentially underestimating her rivals.
Mace’s campaign leans heavily on her personal story, from dropping out of high school to becoming the first female graduate of the Citadel’s Corps of Cadets. It’s a compelling narrative, but voters might demand more than a feel-good backstory.
Her political journey includes working on Trump’s 2016 campaign, though she later criticized his role in the January 6 Capitol attack. That flip-flop could haunt her with MAGA diehards.
Mace has a heated rivalry with Wilson, accusing him of ignoring sexual assault allegations, including against her ex-fiancé. “He’s turned a blind eye on women and children,” she charged. It’s a serious allegation that demands scrutiny, not blind acceptance.
Wilson fired back, calling Mace’s claims “categorically false” and accusing her of pushing a “liberal agenda.” His denial is firm, but the lack of evidence either way muddies the waters.
Every sheriff in Mace’s district backs Wilson, a sign she’s fighting an uphill battle. That kind of local support could signal trust issues for Mace among key voters.
Mace has made cultural battles a cornerstone, notably targeting Rep. Sarah McBride’s use of women’s restrooms in Congress. “No boy belongs in a girls’ locker room,” she said. It’s a stance that resonates with conservatives but risks alienating moderates.
She also promised to “gut” what she calls “woke ideology” in South Carolina schools. The rhetoric is fiery, but implementing it without overreach could prove tricky.
The Democratic Governors Association slammed Mace, accusing her of wanting to “gut Medicaid” and endanger Social Security and Medicare. Their critique is predictable, but Mace’s voting record might give it some teeth.
Mace’s relationship with Trump is complicated—she endorsed him in 2024 after surviving his 2022 primary challenge. “I’ll be working very hard to earn his support,” she said about a potential gubernatorial endorsement. Chasing Trump’s blessing could be a gamble in a state with shifting GOP loyalties.
Her 2020 victory over Democrat Joe Cunningham made her South Carolina’s first Republican woman in the House. That milestone bolsters her resume, but the governor is a different beast.
With a crowded field and fierce rivalries, Mace’s bid is anything but a sure thing. Her conservative firebrand style will energize some but may not sway the pragmatic. South Carolina’s GOP voters will decide if her roadmap leads to the governor’s mansion.
