Republican U.S. Representative Nancy Mace has announced plans to travel across South Carolina in the coming weeks as she weighs a potential bid for governor in 2026.
Speaking ahead of a Richland County GOP meeting, Mace expressed her intention to gather insights from Republicans across the state.
Political Aspirations
In a recent interview with the Associated Press, Mace signaled her interest in succeeding Republican Governor Henry McMaster, who is term-limited.
“I’ve been in the state Legislature before, I have great relationships in Washington now, and I’ve acquired the leadership necessary to be bold, to make sure that we are moving forward with conservative policies,” Mace stated. “I know that I could do even more at the state level.”
Shifting Political Stances
Initially known as a moderate Republican with independent views, particularly on social issues such as abortion, Mace has recently adopted more hardline conservative positions aligned with the MAGA movement.
“I am all in for making sure we make America great again, we make America healthy again, and we make America safe again, but also what this means for South Carolina,” she asserted.
Mace has recently made headlines for advocating to bar transgender women from using biological women’s restrooms on federal property, signaling a stronger focus on cultural issues.
Early Political Attacks
Despite the race filing period not opening until next year, Mace has already targeted a potential Republican primary opponent, South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson.
“He has no business even thinking about running for governor, and I will take him out,” Mace declared, criticizing his approach to border security and human trafficking.
When reporters pointed out Wilson’s extensive work on illegal immigration and human trafficking cases, Mace doubled down, calling him a “do-nothing attorney general.”
Building Support
Mace noted significant interest in her potential gubernatorial campaign and plans to seek former President Donald Trump’s support.
“Of course, I want to talk to the Trump team and see where they are on a run for governor,” Mace explained. “Anyone that wants to run statewide in 2026 or beyond will need the president’s support.”
An official decision from Mace is expected within the next two months as she continues to engage with constituencies across the state.
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