Rep. Nancy Mace Joins Crowded South Carolina GOP Governor Race

Congresswoman Nancy Mace has officially announced her candidacy for governor of South Carolina in the 2026 Republican primary, joining a crowded field that includes Attorney General Alan Wilson, Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette, Congressman Ralph Norman, and state Senator Josh Kimbrell. Mace, a staunch Trump supporter and current representative for South Carolina’s 1st District, emphasized her commitment to fighting crime, enforcing federal immigration laws, and reforming the education system with a focus on vocational training. She also vowed to prevent taxpayer funding for schools teaching that there are more than two genders, highlighting her conservative social stance. Mace's campaign messaging underscores a call to action against perceived corruption and political complacency in South Carolina, positioning her run as a mission to bring meaningful leadership to the state. The Republican primary is expected to be highly competitive as the state’s current governor, Henry McMaster, is term-limited and cannot seek re-election. No Democratic candidates have yet entered the race, reflecting South Carolina’s firmly red political landscape.