Nancy Mace Announces Run for South Carolina Governor in 2026, Pledges to Champion Conservative Principles

Republican Rep. Nancy Mace of South Carolina officially launched her campaign for the state’s 2026 gubernatorial primary on Monday, vowing to bring strong leadership to a state frustrated with “empty suits” and political complacency.

In her campaign kickoff speech, Mace told supporters that South Carolina is “tired of politicians who smile for the cameras, lie to your face, and then disappear when it’s time to lead.” She added, “I’m not one of them. I’m running for governor because South Carolina needs a leader who will fight for you and your values, not another career politician.”

Mace’s campaign platform includes aggressive fiscal policies such as freezing the state’s general fund spending at $11.6 billion, requiring state agencies to cut their budgets by 3% to 4% annually, and expanding access to vocational and trade schools. Additionally, she pledged to defund any state agency or office that refuses to follow both state and federal law.

Currently serving her third term in Congress, Mace has evolved from a vocal critic of Donald Trump to one of his staunch allies. Her campaign video prominently featured a clip of Trump praising her as a “fighter,” solidifying her pro-Trump stance as a key aspect of her political identity.

Mace faces several Republican challengers in the primary, including Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette and Rep. Ralph Norman, a member of the House Freedom Caucus. She is also set to compete against Alan Wilson, the state’s attorney general, who Mace previously accused of mishandling the investigation into allegations of abuse made against her by her ex-fiancé.

Mace’s path to public office began in 2018 when she was elected to the South Carolina House of Representatives. She made history in 2020 by flipping a Democratic district to win a seat in Congress.

Nancy Mace Announces Run for South Carolina Governor in 2026, Pledges to Champion Conservative Principles

A former Citadel graduate, Mace was also one of the seven House Republicans in 2021 who opposed efforts to overturn the 2020 election results, although she later voted against Trump’s impeachment. Since then, she has become a prominent voice in the Republican Party, aligning with Trump on issues ranging from culture wars to transgender rights.

In 2023, Mace introduced a resolution to ban transgender women from using women’s restrooms at the U.S. Capitol, drawing attention for her strong stance on LGBTQ+ issues. Earlier this year, she also faced criticism after using an anti-transgender slur during a House hearing.

Mace has also become vocal about personal issues, accusing her ex-fiancé of sexual assault, rape, and sex trafficking, while accusing Alan Wilson of deliberately stalling the investigation into her case. Wilson’s office dismissed her claims, labeling them as “categorically false.”

As she enters the 2026 South Carolina gubernatorial race, Mace is expected to face a tough primary battle with Wilson and other candidates, but her strong conservative platform and support from Trump allies position her as a serious contender for the state's top office.