Nancy Mace Officially Joins South Carolina Governor’s Race, Ready to Lead and Fight

Rep. Nancy Mace Officially Throws Hat in the Ring for South Carolina Governor

After a few days of teasing, Rep. Nancy Mace finally went public Monday morning, declaring her bid for governor of South Carolina. She made the announcement at The Citadel, the military college where she famously became the first woman to graduate from the Corps of Cadets back in 1999.

“This morning, I'm making it official. I am running to be your governor of the great state of South Carolina,” Mace said, standing in a place rich with personal history.

Who Is Nancy Mace? A Quick Snapshot

Mace, 47, entered Congress in 2021 and quickly made a name for herself as a bold, outspoken Republican — sometimes controversial, sometimes pragmatic, and always newsworthy.

• She started off with some moderate stances. For example, before the 2022 midterms, she urged fellow Republicans not to push too hard on abortion restrictions, acknowledging that Democrats might defy expectations at the polls.

• But in recent months, she’s become a GOP firebrand. Earlier this year, she spearheaded an effort to limit restroom access in the Capitol — a move tied to the historic election of the first transgender member of Congress.

• She’s also known for her tough questioning on the House Oversight Committee, famously accusing Democratic mayors of having “blood on your hands” during an immigration hearing last March.

Political Highs and Lows

Mace’s political journey has had some interesting twists:

• Following the January 6, 2021 attack on the Capitol, she openly criticized former President Trump, even suggesting he had no future in the Republican Party.

• Despite that, she later backed his 2024 presidential campaign.

• In 2022, she faced a primary challenge from a Trump-backed opponent but came out on top — a testament to her growing strength in the GOP ranks.

• More recently, she was one of eight Republicans who voted to oust former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy in 2023, which led to a proxy battle in her 2024 primary. Once again, Mace won, defeating the McCarthy-backed challenger.

Why Run for Governor Now?

In an interview last week with Fox News, Mace dropped hints about her desire to run for statewide office, pointing to some of the key issues that matter most to her:

• Economic challenges facing South Carolina

• Rising crime rates

• What she called the “gender-bending ideology” being pushed at the state’s colleges

She’s framing her campaign as a fight for the future of the state — a fight against policies and trends she sees as harmful to women, children, and families.

The GOP Governor’s Race Is Already Heating Up

Mace isn’t entering an empty field. South Carolina’s Republican primary is shaping up to be crowded and competitive, with heavy hitters like Rep. Ralph Norman and Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette also running.

Mace acknowledged their presence with respect, saying, “They're going to be great on the campaign trail.”

But she didn’t shy away from staking her claim on being the frontrunner.

“If I get in, we’re starting out front, in the lead, and it’s a two-man race,” she said, zooming in on South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson, who announced his own run for governor last month.

She leveled a serious critique at Wilson, accusing him of “turning a blind eye on women and on children and on the state for a lot of reasons.”

“He might force me to do this,” Mace added, signaling that if the race comes down to her and Wilson, she’s ready to fight hard.

What Makes Nancy Mace Stand Out?

Beyond the usual campaign rhetoric, Mace brings some unique elements to the table:

• Trailblazer Background: The first woman to graduate from The Citadel’s Corps of Cadets — a milestone that still resonates in a traditionally male-dominated institution.

• A Fighter With Experience: She’s battled tough primaries and survived, showing resilience and grassroots support.

• Mixed Record: Her journey from a more moderate Republican to a firebrand means she can appeal to different wings of the party, from centrists to the right flank.

• Focus on Family and Values: She’s vocal about protecting women and children, and often criticizes what she calls “radical” cultural changes.

Key Points to Watch as the Campaign Unfolds

• Crowded GOP Field: How will Mace differentiate herself from Norman, Evette, and Wilson? Will her military college background and firebrand reputation give her an edge?

• Wilson’s Role: As Attorney General, Wilson is a well-known figure with deep ties in the state. Mace’s open challenge to him suggests a potentially fierce primary showdown.

• Voter Priorities: Economic concerns, crime, and cultural issues are front and center. How candidates address these will define their appeal.

• Mace’s Positioning: Will she stay in the firebrand lane or pivot back toward more moderate stances to broaden her base?

Putting It All Together: What This Means for South Carolina

Nancy Mace’s entrance into the governor’s race marks a significant moment in South Carolina politics. With her unique background, combative style, and focus on some of the state’s most pressing issues, she’s shaking up what could have been a routine GOP primary.

Her challenge to Alan Wilson hints at a potential clash of visions for the state — one focused on cultural conservatism and the other representing established legal and political authority.

As the campaign heats up, voters will be looking for answers on everything from economic growth to public safety, education, and the state’s cultural future.

A Quick Recap: Why Mace’s Campaign Matters

• Historic candidacy: First woman graduate of The Citadel’s Corps of Cadets, now running for the top job in the state.

• Political firebrand: Known for taking strong, sometimes controversial stands that have drawn national attention.

• Primary battles won: Overcame both Trump-backed and McCarthy-backed challengers, proving political grit.

• Focus on values: Emphasizes protecting women and children, pushing back on cultural trends she disagrees with.

• Ready to rumble: Declared readiness to go toe-to-toe with South Carolina’s Attorney General in what’s shaping up to be a high-stakes race.

What’s Next?

The governor’s race will unfold over the coming months, and Nancy Mace’s entry has already changed the game. Whether she can maintain the front-runner status, fend off strong opponents, and unite the party’s different factions remains to be seen.

For South Carolina voters, the choice will be about more than just party — it will be about who can best address the state’s challenges while preserving the values many hold dear.