South Carolina Republican Rep. Nancy Mace has officially entered the race for governor, joining a crowded GOP primary where securing former President Donald Trump’s endorsement — and appealing to his loyal voter base — is expected to be a major factor.
Mace, recently re-elected to her third term representing the state’s 1st Congressional District, kicked off her gubernatorial campaign Monday at The Citadel in Charleston. She plans to begin a statewide town hall tour later this week, starting in Myrtle Beach.
“I’m running for governor because South Carolina needs a leader who will stand up for people and their values — not just another politician in a suit,” Mace said. “We need someone who will expose the truth and shake things up when necessary.”
In an interview with The Associated Press, Mace outlined a broad platform that includes overhauling the criminal justice system, eliminating the state income tax, boosting protections for women and children, expanding educational and vocational options, and improving energy resources.
While official filing for the 2026 race won’t begin until March, Mace enters a field of notable GOP contenders, including Attorney General Alan Wilson, Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, and Rep. Ralph Norman — marking the first wide-open gubernatorial contest in the state in 16 years.
