Rep. Nancy Mace has announced she is seriously considering entering South Carolina’s 2026 gubernatorial race. With her strong conservative stance and ties to Trump’s agenda, she aims to continue pushing for policies aligned with the former president’s vision.
Nancy Mace Eyes 2026 South Carolina Governor’s Race
Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) has confirmed she is seriously considering running for governor in South Carolina in 2026. With Gov. Henry McMaster’s term ending, Mace, a three-term Congresswoman, sees this as an opportunity to expand her influence on a statewide level.
Mace publicly shared her intentions with the Associated Press, marking her first acknowledgment of these long-rumored plans. She stated that she plans to spend time in different parts of the state before making a final decision in the coming weeks.
Trump’s Influence on Mace’s Political Trajectory
While Mace has been a vocal supporter of Donald Trump’s key policies, their political relationship has had its ups and downs. After the January 6 Capitol riots, Mace criticized Trump and called for rebuilding the Republican Party. However, she later reconciled with the former president, supporting him in the 2024 election and aligning herself with his MAGA agenda.
Mace’s alignment with Trump has strengthened her position within the GOP. She acknowledges the importance of securing Trump’s endorsement for the gubernatorial race, emphasizing that her leadership would help implement his agenda at the state level.
Legislative Record and Conservative Agenda
Mace has gained prominence for her staunch conservative policies. She has led efforts to ban transgender women from women’s bathrooms in the U.S. Capitol and has frequently targeted first-term transgender Congresswoman Sarah McBride (D-Del.) with controversial remarks.
Her legislative record and vocal support for Trump’s causes, such as fighting DEI and curbing illegal immigration, have solidified her base among South Carolina Republicans.
Potential Competition for the Governorship
If Mace enters the gubernatorial race, she is expected to face significant competition. South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson and Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette are among the potential candidates vying for the position. Mace’s previous statewide campaign in 2014 for a U.S. Senate seat resulted in a distant fifth-place finish, but she has since strengthened her leadership credentials and political ties.
Next Steps for Mace’s Decision
Mace emphasized that she plans to connect with voters across South Carolina and evaluate her chances before making a formal announcement. She highlighted her experience in both the state legislature and Congress as evidence of her readiness to lead and deliver on conservative policies.
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