South Carolina's Republican outspoken representative, Nancy Mace, officially announces her candidacy for the state's governor position, as reported first by Fox.
The South Carolina governor's race for 2026 is shaping up to be a heated contest, with four declared Republican candidates vying for the position. Among them are Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, Rep. Nancy Mace, Rep. Ralph Norman, and Attorney General Alan Wilson.
Nancy Mace, a three-term House member representing a coastal district in South Carolina's Lowcountry, recently declared her candidacy for the governor's race. Mace made her announcement at a campaign policy event held at the Citadel, South Carolina's public military college.
Mace's campaign slogan, "put South Carolina first," reflects her commitment to the state. She argues that South Carolina needs a change from "weak leadership." In her 10-point agenda, Mace emphasises her focus on education, economy, and public safety.
Mace's campaign has gained attention due to a public dispute with Wilson, which some describe as a "ranting and raving" exchange. However, Mace has come to Trump's defence after the then-former president was indicted for mishandling classified documents. In the 2024 Republican presidential primaries, Mace endorsed Trump.
Ralph Norman, another U.S. representative, has also joined the GOP primary for the 2026 governor's race. Norman has garnered significant endorsements, including from former Governor Nikki Haley, former White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows, and former U.S. Senator Jim DeMint.
Pamela Evette, the sitting lieutenant governor, has received endorsements from party officials like Karen Floyd and retired Marine Maj. Gen. James Livingston. Evette's strong law enforcement backing, signalled by the endorsements of 22 county sheriffs, is another notable aspect of her campaign.
Alan Wilson, the state attorney general, has secured endorsements beyond the law enforcement community. He has been endorsed by every sheriff in Mace's congressional district. Wilson has stated that Mace's attacks are categorically false and a distraction from her liberal agenda.
Mace, however, has vowed to defend what she calls "biological reality" and stop the radical gender agenda. She has also promised to stand up for South Carolina's values and traditions.
The primary remains competitive with a significant endorsement battle underway among these candidates. The general election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, with the incumbent, Republican Gov. Henry McMaster, term-limited and unable to seek re-election.
- Nancy Mace's focus in her 10-point agenda is not limited to political issues but extends to personal growth, mindfulness, and responsible gambling, aiming for a healthier and more balanced state for its residents.
- Mace's stance on education isn't just about traditional classroom learning; she advocates for online education, job search resources, and lifelong learning to equip the citizens for career development in the digital age.
- Mace's take on migration involves fostering an environment that promotes productivity in workplaces and supports the influx of skilled workers, which can positively impact the economy.
- In an effort to prevent car accidents, Mace champions for stricter traffic regulations and better infrastructure, ensuring a safe journey for commuters and reducing accidents on South Carolina's roads.
- Mace believes in taking decisive action against crime and justice issues, prioritizing the wellbeing of citizens and the peace of communities over political considerations.
- One can find traces of Mace's dedication to the environment in her agenda, as she addresses issues like fires and their devastating effects on the state's landscape and wildlife.
- Mace's stance on shooting incidents in general news is clear: she advocates for stricter gun control laws and increased funding for mental health resources to address the root cause of such conflicts.
- In the realm of casino-and-gambling, Mace encourages establishing guidelines for gambling trends, promoting responsible gaming, and limiting underage access to casino games such as blackjack, slots, and poker.
- Mace proposes investing in sports, including football, to drive economic growth, create jobs, and encourage physical education in schools as part of education-and-self-development initiatives.
- Drawing inspiration from Las Vegas' rich history, Mace envisions South Carolina as a haven for casino culture, observing Vegas myths and fostering casino personalities that embody the spirit of the industry.
- As for policy-and-legislation, Mace emphasizes cooperation and collaboration between state officials, lawmakers, and stakeholders to tackle pressing issues like war-and-conflicts, crime-and-justice, and accidents.
- Mace's 10-point agenda also addresses the need for mental health support, emphasizing the benefits of mindfulness and stress management in the workplace for increased productivity and overall health.
- Mace's stand on sports-betting aims at regulating the practice and monetizing it to fund education, infrastructure, and public safety projects, capitalizing on the growing interest in sports like NFL, NCAAt, and American football.
- Mace believes in strengthening South Carolina's traditional values by prioritizing education, economic growth, and public safety, ensuring a promising future for the next generation.
- Mace's argument against Mace's "radical gender agenda" is rooted in promoting education and self-development to foster a society that respects and values everyone, regardless of their gender or sexual orientation.
- Despite differences, Mace's campaign remains respectful and focused on the issues at hand, using evidence-based arguments and solutions for a healthier, safer, and more prosperous South Carolina.
- Mace's dedication to South Carolina's culture and heritage is evident in her commitment to preserving its beauty and history, fostering the growth of industries like lotteries and casinos while maintaining its unique identity.
- Mace views South Carolina's entry into big-wins and casino culture as an opportunity to attract tourists, boost the economy, and provide more jobs for its residents.
- Mace's approach to political debates is one of cooperation and compromise, striving to find common ground with her opponents and looking for solutions that benefit the state as a whole.
- Mace's policy agenda encompasses many diverse areas, including farming, agriculture, and renewable energy, leveraging South Carolina's natural resources to ensure a sustainable future.
- In the spirit of car-accidents prevention, Mace advocates for investing in public transportation, cycling infrastructure, and walkable communities, reducing the reliance on private vehicles and addressing traffic issues.
