Republican Rep. Nancy Mace, a three-term congresswoman representing South Carolina’s coastal Lowcountry district, is moving closer to launching a campaign for governor. In two Fox News interviews over the weekend, Mace indicated that she would make a decision in the next couple of days about her future political aspirations.
“I will be making a decision in the coming days,” Mace said during a Fox News Digital interview. “We’re definitely leaning towards running for statewide office in South Carolina for governor,” she added, emphasizing her commitment to addressing the state’s economic and cultural challenges. In another Fox News Channel interview, Mace reiterated her plan to make a decision soon, highlighting the importance of her potential gubernatorial bid.
These developments come as Mace delivered a significant speech at the New Hampshire Institute of Politics, where she hinted at her intentions to run for governor. Speaking to a crowd of political enthusiasts, Mace stated, “Not only do you pick presidents, maybe you can pick the next South Carolina governor too while we’re here today, because we’re going to be announcing a run very shortly potentially for that as well.” Her speech underscored her focus on cultural issues, economic reforms, and the need for law and order in the state.
Mace has cited several reasons for her potential gubernatorial run, including South Carolina’s highest state income tax in the Southeast, which she claims makes the state less competitive with neighboring states. She also pointed to the state’s booming economy under Donald Trump, along with concerns about law and order, protection of women and children, and addressing what she describes as gender-bending ideologies in colleges and universities.
As Mace prepares for her potential entry into the gubernatorial race, she faces a crowded GOP primary field. The race to succeed term-limited Republican Gov. Henry McMaster is expected to be competitive, with other prominent candidates including South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson, Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, and state Sen. Josh Kimbrell. Ralph Norman, a House Freedom Caucus member, has recently joined the race, declaring his candidacy for the 2026 election.
Wilson, a strong contender, has already positioned himself as a serious competitor to Mace. He has stated that if she enters the race, the contest would be a two-man race between him and Mace. Wilson has also criticized Mace’s past allegations against him, which she made during a fiery speech on the House floor in February. In that speech, Mace accused multiple men, including her ex-fiancé, of sexual crimes, alleging that Wilson ignored evidence of sexual assault against her and other women.
Wilson has dismissed these accusations, stating that they were never made to him and that Mace’s claims are false. He has accused her of being a liar who seeks attention and has pointed to her liberal voting record as a reason for her attacks. Wilson’s campaign has also highlighted the support of every sheriff in Mace’s congressional district, which has endorsed his gubernatorial bid.
Mace, known for her conservative leanings and cultural issues, has gained significant attention for her stance on these topics. Her political journey, including her work on Donald Trump’s 2016 campaign and her strong support for Trump during his 2024 presidential bid, underscores her alignment with the Republican Party’s conservative values. Despite her criticism of Trump’s actions regarding the January 6, 2021 Capitol attack, Mace has since come to his defense following his indictment for mishandling classified documents.
As Mace considers her next steps, her potential gubernatorial candidacy may have significant implications for South Carolina’s political landscape. Her decision could influence the state’s future direction, particularly in terms of economic policy, cultural issues, and the broader GOP primary race. With Trump’s continued influence within the Republican Party, Mace’s potential campaign may also reflect the ongoing dynamics of his faction within the party.