Republican Rep. Nancy Mace Launches South Carolina Gubernatorial Bid for 2026
Republican Rep. Nancy Mace officially launched her 2026 South Carolina gubernatorial campaign, positioning herself as a staunch Trump ally and emphasizing a conservative agenda.
Mace announces campaign for South Carolina governor
Washington Examiner
Overview
- Republican Rep. Nancy Mace officially launched her campaign for South Carolina governor in the 2026 primary, holding her initial event at The Citadel military college in Charleston.
- Mace, who describes herself as "Trump in high heels," has become a staunch ally of Mr. Trump, despite her past criticisms following the January 6 Capitol attack.
- Her campaign emphasizes opposition to transgender rights, a significant part of her political identity, and she has faced criticism for using anti-transgender slurs.
- A Citadel graduate, Mace previously voted to oust former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and has consistently opposed large spending bills, showcasing her conservative fiscal stance.
- Mace is joining a crowded GOP primary field and has begun a series of town halls, starting in Myrtle Beach, while presenting a 10-point agenda.
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Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame Nancy Mace's gubernatorial bid by emphasizing her controversial nature and history of attention-grabbing actions. They portray her as a "firebrand" who "courts controversy" and is a "thorn in leadership's side," highlighting her perceived inconsistencies and unproven allegations, collectively focusing on her disruptive tendencies.
"Mace told Fox News last week that she was leaning toward running for state-wide office, citing economic issues, crime and "gender-bending ideology" at colleges in the state."
CBS News"Mace told The Associated Press on Sunday she plans a multi-pronged platform aimed in part at shoring up the state’s criminal justice system, ending South Carolina's income tax, protecting women and children, expanding school choice and vocational education and improving the state's energy options."
ABC News"Mace has managed to grab headlines through some of her unexpected positions and actions."
NBC NewsArticles (7)
FAQ
Nancy Mace is a Republican U.S. Representative from South Carolina's 1st District serving her third term and a graduate of The Citadel military college.
Her platform includes opposition to transgender rights, ending South Carolina's income tax, protecting women and children, expanding school choice and vocational education, improving the state's energy options, strengthening the criminal justice system, and pursuing a conservative fiscal agenda.
The main competitors include South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson, Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette, state Senator Josh Kimbrell, and Republican Representative Ralph Norman.
Nancy Mace positions herself as a staunch Trump ally, self-describing as ‘Trump in high heels,’ and seeks his endorsement and support for her gubernatorial campaign, emphasizing her defense of Trump in previous instances.
She has faced criticism for using anti-transgender slurs and for her strong opposition to transgender rights, which is a significant part of her political identity during the campaign.
History
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