U.S. Representative Nancy Mace Enters 2026 Governor’s Race
August 4, 2025
Fifth Republican candidate joins the contest to succeed Gov. Henry McMaster
U.S. Representative Nancy Mace (R-SC) officially announced her candidacy for Governor of South Carolina on Monday, becoming the fifth Republican to enter the 2026 race to succeed term-limited Governor Henry McMaster.
The announcement took place at The Citadel in Charleston, where Mace made history in 1999 as the first woman to graduate from the school’s Corps of Cadets. In front of a crowd of supporters, Mace said the state needs bold leadership and a fighter who will stand up to political insiders.
“God’s not done with South Carolina, and neither am I,” Mace said. “You and me—our mission begins now.”
Mace launched her campaign with a video that included praise from former President Donald Trump, whom she has endorsed in the 2024 presidential race. In her remarks and materials, Mace referred to herself as “Trump in high heels,” pledging to take on the establishment and enact sweeping reforms.
Her platform includes eliminating the state income tax, increasing school choice, implementing tougher crime policies, and opposing what she described as “radical gender ideology.” She also called for judicial reform, more vocational training, and stronger protections for parental rights in education.
Once considered a Trump critic following the events of January 6, Mace has since aligned herself closely with the former president, highlighting her support for his policies and winning back his favor after a brief political rift in 2022.
Mace joins a Republican field that includes Lt. Governor Pamela Evette, Attorney General Alan Wilson, U.S. Representative Ralph Norman, and State Senator Josh Kimbrell. The primary is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched contests in South Carolina politics.
Her entry into the race also comes amid controversy involving public allegations against her former fiancé and a pending defamation suit filed by Attorney General Wilson. Mace has accused some political leaders of trying to silence her and vowed not to back down.
“We need a governor who won’t be bullied, who won’t back down, and who will put the people of this state ahead of politics,” Mace said.
The Republican primary for governor will be held in June 2026. No Democratic candidates have formally announced their campaigns.
