Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
EXCLUSIVE – As she officially launched her campaign for the governorship of South Carolina, Republican Representative Nancy Mace targeted what she labeled as “weak leadership” within the state.
The remarks by Mace, first reported by Fox News Digital on Monday, seemed to indirectly refer to key Republican figures in the state, including long-serving South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson. Wilson stands as a main rival in the Republican gubernatorial primary.
Both Mace and Wilson are recognized as leading candidates in a competitive GOP primary set for the 2026 election, which will determine who succeeds the term-limited Governor Henry McMaster. McMaster holds the title of South Carolina’s longest-serving governor.
In an exclusive interview shortly after Mace announced her candidacy, Wilson asserted that Mace has been “ranting and raving for the last six months about running for governor” without formally declaring her intentions.
REPUBLICAN FIREBRAND NANCY MACE JOINS CROWDED SOUTH CAROLINA RACE FOR GOVERNOR
About ten days before her campaign kickoff, Mace expressed in a conversation with Fox News, “I will fight to the finish, and I intend to take down South Carolina’s Attorney General, who has ignored issues affecting women and children. He may be forcing my hand in this race.”
In a powerful speech delivered on the House floor in February, Mace accused Wilson of neglecting evidence of sexual assault impacting her and other women. Her extensive remarks included accusations against four men, including her former fiancé, and she identified herself as one of the victims.
HOUSE FREEDOM CAUCUS MEMBER RALPH NORMAN ANNOUNCES BID FOR SOUTH CAROLINA GOVERNOR
Wilson categorically rejected Mace’s allegations. He claimed at the time that “that allegation was never made to me — no one in my office has received such a complaint.”
In a recent statement to Fox News, Wilson called Mace a “liar” who seeks attention to divert from her liberal voting history. He emphasized, “I have dedicated my career to serving our country and defending children.”
Pointedly addressing Mace, Wilson noted, “It’s clear she thinks about me more than I think about her. My focus remains on doing my job in South Carolina, and I don’t pay much attention to her antics.”
He stated, “I’m not vying against anyone. My campaign centers on serving the people of South Carolina.”
Wilson expressed his desire during the campaign to convey a positive message, aiming to illustrate his record of achievements. He stated he strives to be a steady presence for the state.
In a possible dig at Mace, he remarked, “I believe change and reform can occur without sowing chaos in our state.”
Wilson highlighted his “real record of accomplishment” supporting victims of crime in South Carolina and pursuing accountability for corrupt officials.
Addressing issues often championed by Mace, he declared, “I am the only candidate actively defending South Carolina’s laws concerning the protection of women and girls in sports and their safety in private spaces.”
Mace commenced her gubernatorial campaign with an event at the Citadel in Charleston, the state’s military college and her alma mater. Mace holds the distinction of being the first woman to graduate from the Citadel’s Corps of Cadets.
In a contrast to Mace’s background, Wilson emphasized his extensive military career. He stated, “The governor of South Carolina serves as the commander-in-chief of the South Carolina National Guard. I bring nearly 30 years of military experience, including a combat tour in Iraq. I am the only candidate in this race with real combat experience.”
Wilson also pointed out his support from law enforcement, noting endorsements from twenty-six sheriffs statewide, including all five within Mace’s congressional district in South Carolina’s Lowcountry.
He outlined key priorities for his administration if elected governor. He emphasized the importance of education reform, infrastructure investment, eliminating fraud, waste, and abuse, abolishing the income tax, and enhancing accountability to the citizens of South Carolina.
Mace and Wilson are not alone in the GOP gubernatorial primary, as they face competition from Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, Rep. Ralph Norman, and state Sen. Josh Kimbrell.
In the current political landscape, President Donald Trump has not yet revealed his preferences regarding the primary candidates. Trump’s influence over the Republican Party, particularly after his recent success in the 2024 election efforts, remains significant. His endorsements carry considerable weight in GOP nomination battles.
When asked about her chances of securing Trump’s endorsement, Mace stated, “I plan to work incredibly hard to earn his support if I forge ahead in this race.”
In her campaign launch video, Mace showcased clips of Trump referring to her as a “fighter,” remarking that “when she sets her sights on a goal, she is determined.”
Conversely, Wilson reaffirmed his longstanding support for Trump, stating, “I have backed President Trump as Attorney General since his initial term. Throughout his presidency, I have defended his agenda in court and maintained a strong rapport with him.”
In closing, Wilson asserted, “I will pursue the endorsement of President Trump the same way he has earned my support. I have stood by him for nearly a decade.”
