Rep. Nancy Mace, a three-term House member with a large national profile as a Republican, has announced her candidacy for the 2026 South Carolina gubernatorial race. Her campaign, which has already been launched under the banner of ‘common sense’ and ‘bold policies,’ positions her as a strong contender for the GOP nomination in a state that is reliably red. Mace, representing a coastal congressional district in South Carolina’s Lowcountry, is stepping into a primary contest that has already drawn several notable Republican figures, including Attorney General Alan Wilson, Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette, and state Senator Josh Kimbrell. Her announcement was made public first with Fox News Digital, with Mace delivering a statement that emphasized the need for a new direction for the state, asserting that ‘we can continue doing the things we’ve always done’ or ‘chart a new course … filled with common sense and bold policies.’
Mace’s campaign also includes a 10-point agenda, framed as a ‘clear, conservative, common sense roadmap to rebuild South Carolina from the ground up.’ This includes policies that focus on reducing government overreach, promoting fiscal responsibility, and addressing issues that align with her conservative base, such as cultural and educational policies. At the heart of her campaign strategy is the desire to present herself as an authentic leader who can effectively represent the state’s values. She highlighted her background, including dropping out of high school at 17, working at a Waffle House, and eventually becoming the first female graduate of the Citadel’s Corps of Cadets, which she has used to build her narrative as an underdog who has risen through the ranks.
The political climate in South Carolina is already electric as the GOP primary race gathers momentum. Wilson, who has been a strong contender, has already been vocal about Mace’s candidacy. In a recent statement to Fox News, Wilson accused Mace of being a ‘liar’ who uses ‘political gain and social media clicks’ to undermine her opponents. Wilson’s campaign has emphasized the support of multiple sheriffs across Mace’s congressional district, which they believe provides a significant advantage for his campaign. The competition is expected to be fierce, with both candidates having significant name recognition and a strong base of supporters. The outcome of this primary race will have important implications for the state’s political future, as the winner will go on to face the 2026 general election against a potential Democratic candidate.
Mace’s decision to run for governor also comes as she continues to be a prominent figure within the broader GOP landscape. Her political career has been marked by a mix of support and controversy, including her vocal criticism of former President Donald Trump’s actions during the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol attack and her strong advocacy for conservative values. Her campaign has also drawn attention to her role in the House Freedom Caucus and her involvement in the broader debate over cultural issues, including her efforts to limit access to women’s restrooms for openly transgender individuals. These factors are likely to play a role in shaping her campaign platform and the public’s perception of her as she seeks to secure the GOP nomination and ultimately the governorship of South Carolina.