Rep. Nancy Mace (R) has officially kicked off her campaign for governor of South Carolina, stepping into a competitive field within the Republican Party and succeeding Gov. Henry McMaster.
Mace made her announcement on Monday at the Citadel, her alma mater, where she was the first female graduate back in 1999.
“This morning, I’m making it official. I’m running to be governor of South Carolina’s wonderful state,” Mace declared at the event. “I’m not here to join any club. They don’t want me, and I don’t want them. I’m taking a stand.”
She added, “South Carolina is fed up with politicians who put on a façade for the cameras but disappear when it’s time to take action.”
On Sunday, she shared a video that concluded with the message “Nancy Mace for Governor.”
Mace also asked for feedback on her promotional design through a post on social media.
She has a gathering planned for Monday morning at 7:30 at the Citadel.
Mace, known for her boldness, has been hinting at her gubernatorial ambitions. Recently, she released a video indicating her campaign’s upcoming developments, mentioning President Trump’s support.
During an event at the New Hampshire Institute of Political Science last weekend, she remarked, “While we’re here, we get to choose not just a president but perhaps the next governor of South Carolina too.”
In this race, she will face Rep. Ralph Norman (R), State Attorney General Alan Wilson, Lt. Col. Pamela Ebbett, and Sen. Josh Kinbrell (R).
Mace previously stated that if she enters the race, it would essentially be a showdown between her and Wilson.
She remarked, “When I jump in, I’m in it to win it and take on the South Carolina Attorney General. He’s turning a blind eye to issues affecting women and children, so I might have no choice but to challenge him,” referring to accusations directed at Wilson regarding his lack of prosecution in sexual misconduct cases earlier this year.
Wilson has denied her claims, asserting that nothing reached him or his office.
Recent polls show Mace slightly ahead of Wilson among Republican voters in South Carolina.
Updated: 8:31am
