Retired U.S. Air Force Colonel Alex Pelbath, who commanded the final evacuation flights out of Afghanistan in 2021, has announced a Republican congressional campaign in South Carolina’s First District. Pelbath, who describes himself as a ‘Trump Conservative,’ is running for the seat currently held by three-term GOP Rep. Nancy Mace, who is running for governor instead of seeking re-election. In a statement shared nationally first with Fox News Digital, Pelbath emphasized his commitment to supporting President Trump’s agenda, promising to deliver leadership that ‘makes the Lowcountry proud’ and provide ‘reinforcements’ to the administration. His campaign highlights his extensive military experience, including 22 years in the Air Force and over 1,000 hours of combat flying.
Pelbath’s campaign announcement comes as he seeks to challenge Rep. Nancy Mace, a three-term Republican who has been a prominent figure in South Carolina’s political landscape. Mace, who has held the seat since 2020, is now vying for the governor’s office, citing her desire to focus on statewide issues rather than re-election. Pelbath, in his statement, argued that Washington’s political leadership has failed to address the nation’s challenges, and he is determined to bring a ‘mission-driven’ approach to Congress. His call for a return to a more ‘traditional’ political ethos has resonated with many conservative voters in the region.
As a former Air Mission Commander for the final evacuation from Kabul, Pelbath’s personal experience with the Afghanistan withdrawal has become a central theme in his campaign. He recounted the ‘devastation’ caused by weak leadership, which has fueled his decision to run. Pelbath’s vision includes addressing illegal immigration, curbing the influence of progressive policies in education and the military, and fostering economic opportunities for working families in the Lowcountry region. His campaign also highlights his past role in shaping defense budgets and advising the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, further reinforcing his credentials as a ‘military-first’ candidate.
Other Republican candidates in the race for the South Carolina governor’s office include South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson, Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, Rep. Ralph Norman, and state Sen. Josh Kimbrell. Mace, who was first elected to the district in 2020, is one of five major candidates vying for the GOP gubernatorial nomination, following the term-limited exit of incumbent Gov. Henry McMaster. Pelbath’s entry into the congressional race adds to the growing list of candidates challenging established political figures in the state, signaling a shift toward a more ideologically driven political landscape in South Carolina.