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EXCLUSIVE – On Monday, Representative Nancy Mace, a prominent figure in South Carolina’s Republican Party, formally announced her bid for the governorship of the Palmetto State.
In a statement shared exclusively with Fox News Digital, Mace declared, “I am running to put South Carolina first.” The three-term Congresswoman represents a coastal district in the state’s Lowcountry, adding to her statewide recognition.
During the campaign kick-off, Mace criticized the state’s leadership, stating that South Carolina has two choices: continue with the current approach or pursue a new path characterized by pragmatic and bold policies. “We can continue doing the things we’ve always done, or we can chart a new course – one filled with common sense and bold policies to hold the line for South Carolina,” she emphasized.
To support this vision, Mace unveiled a 10-point agenda on her newly launched campaign website, calling it a clear and conservative roadmap designed to rebuild South Carolina from the ground up.
Mace’s Campaign Event in Charleston
Mace plans to follow her announcement with a significant policy event on Monday morning in Charleston at The Citadel, the state’s public military college and her own alma mater.
Mace is entering a crowded Republican primary field for the 2026 race to replace the term-limited Governor Henry McMaster, who has served as South Carolina’s longest-serving governor. Alongside her, other notable GOP candidates include Attorney General Alan Wilson, Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette, and state Senator Josh Kimbrell. Just a week ago, Representative Ralph Norman also declared his candidacy.
Feuding with Alan Wilson
In a recent interview with Fox News Digital, Mace stated confidently, “We are starting out front, in the lead, and this will be a two-person race” between herself and Wilson.
She firmly committed to taking the fight to Wilson, accusing him of negligence concerning issues affecting women and children. Mace stated, “I will fight to the finish and expose Wilson for turning a blind eye on critical issues for many reasons. He might force me to do this.”
This heated rivalry began when Mace delivered a powerful address on the U.S. House floor in February, where she claimed Wilson ignored crucial evidence of sexual assault involving herself and other women. Her speech implicated four men, including her ex-fiancé, and branded them as perpetrators.
Wilson quickly refuted her claims, asserting he never received any allegations of that nature directed at him or his office.
The response from Wilson suggested that Mace’s remarks were intended to draw attention to herself. He labeled her a liar, saying, “Nancy Mace is a liar who will do anything for attention to distract from her liberal voting record.” He emphasized the need for a governor who embodies the values of South Carolina families.
Endorsements and Grassroots Support
As Mace battles Wilson for voter support, it is noteworthy that every sheriff in her congressional district has endorsed Wilson’s campaign for governor. This backing highlights the crucial importance of local endorsements in shaping voter perceptions.
Mace, who gained national recognition when she became the first female graduate of The Citadel’s Corps of Cadets, has a remarkable personal journey. Dropping out of high school when she was just 17, she worked at a Waffle House before eventually winning election to Congress in 2020, where she unseated Democratic Representative Joe Cunningham.
Political Path and Challenges
Her political career has seen ups and downs, including her relationship with former President Donald Trump. Mace boldly criticized certain aspects of Trump’s behavior following the January 6 Capitol riot. Nevertheless, she supported Trump in the 2024 Republican primaries, maintaining that his influence over the GOP remains strong.
During her campaign launch, Mace featured a clip of Trump praising her tenacity, which she hopes will strengthen her campaign narrative. She indicated she would work hard to earn Trump’s endorsement, stating, “I’ll be working very hard if I get in to earn his support.”
Mace has increasingly leaned into cultural debates, taking a stance on issues involving race and gender. For instance, she emerged as a vocal opponent of allowing transgender Congress members to use women’s restrooms, addressing what she labels a radical gender agenda.
In her campaign launch, Mace asserted her commitment to protecting the rights of girls and women, stating, “No child is born in the wrong body, no boy belongs in a girl’s locker room, and no teenage girl should lose her scholarship to a boy in a skirt.”
She expressed her determination to combat what she regards as abusive ideologies in South Carolina schools, promising to take further action to eliminate what she calls woke ideology from the system.
Charting a New Course for South Carolina
As Mace embarks on her campaign for governor, she faces numerous challenges, including a diverse range of candidates seeking the Republican nomination. Despite the obstacles ahead, her commitment to conservative values and bold policies may resonate with a significant portion of South Carolina voters.
Her journey from a challenging upbringing to a congressional representative illustrates her resilience and determination. The coming months will reveal whether her vision for the future of South Carolina will capture the faith and support of constituents as she aims to reshape the political landscape.
