Nancy Mace Launches Campaign for South Carolina Governor

CHARLESTON, S.C. — U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace has officially entered the race for South Carolina governor, releasing a campaign video Sunday night ahead of a formal announcement at The Citadel in Charleston.

The video, featured on her campaign website and YouTube channel, introduces Mace through a montage of media coverage and television interviews, emphasizing her role as a political disruptor and her identity as a conservative woman breaking barriers. “I will not be bullied into silence,” Mace says in the video, referencing her historic graduation as the first woman from The Citadel’s Corps of Cadets.

Set to formally declare her candidacy at a closed event at 7:30 a.m. Monday at Capers Hall Courtyard, Mace’s early launch positions her among several Republican contenders vying to replace term-limited Governor Henry McMaster in 2026.

Mace’s announcement features moments of personal and political significance. She describes the values shaped by her time at South Carolina’s military college, stating: “We will be courageous. We will be resilient – and we will be prepared to take on the challenges of this historic moment.”

The video also includes a clip of former President Donald Trump calling her a fighter and asserting, “When she sets her sight on something, she’s tough.”

The Republican field is already competitive. Among those who have launched campaigns are South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson, Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, U.S. Rep. Ralph Norman, and state Sen. Josh Kimbrell. Some of these candidates have secured early endorsements, including former Gov. Nikki Haley endorsing Ralph Norman and multiple Sheriff’s backing Alan Wilson.

No Democrats have entered the race, though state Rep. Jermaine Johnson of Richland County announced in May that he was exploring a possible run. South Carolina has not elected a Democratic governor since 2002.

Mace’s campaign is expected to kick off a statewide tour immediately following her announcement. Additional details on her platform and endorsements are likely to emerge in the coming weeks.