Mark Sanford, former Governor of South Carolina and a Republican congressman, has decided to end his campaign to reclaim his old House seat—just a month after he announced his candidacy. Instead, he intends to create a non-profit organization aimed at addressing the U.S. national debt.
The 65-year-old politician revealed his choice to the Associated Press, stating that he wants to concentrate on tackling issues related to debt and deficits. “I’ve thought a lot about this,” he mentioned in a press release. “I believe the most impactful way I can contribute now isn’t through public office, but by helping shape a wider movement about our nation’s financial future. This challenge transcends party lines; it’s a challenge for all Americans, and creating real change will take persistent grassroots efforts.”
Sanford’s new organization will operate as a nonpartisan 501(c)(3), aiming to build a network focused on altering the country’s fiscal path. He also shared that he wishes to spend more time with his family, particularly as he prepares for the arrival of his first grandchild.
This shift comes just a month after he entered the race for his former House seat on the final day of candidate filing. Sanford had previously served three terms in Congress and went on to become governor of South Carolina. However, his governorship was marred by a scandal in 2009, when he disappeared to Argentina to see a mistress without notifying his staff or wife.
Even after surviving an impeachment attempt and resisting calls for resignation, Sanford’s personal life faced challenges, with his wife moving out of the governor’s mansion and filing for divorce. He eventually won back his congressional seat in a 2013 special election against 15 other candidates, serving two full terms before losing in the 2018 primary to a Trump-backed candidate.
As for his former seat, it is now held by Republican Rep. Nancy Mace.
The national debt has surpassed $38.9 trillion as of Tuesday, as reported by the Treasury Department, which includes over $31.2 trillion owed to the public and more than $7.6 trillion held within the government.
