Trump’s Endorsement Unlikely to Boost Opponent, Says Nancy Mace

Representative Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) shared her thoughts with Fox News Digital about the upcoming South Carolina Republican gubernatorial primary, stating that President Donald Trump’s endorsement hasn’t significantly impacted his opponent’s reputation among conservative voters. She noted that many grassroots Republicans are “very upset” with the decision.

“The grassroots movement hasn’t worked out well for her, which is why it didn’t hit her too hard,” Mace explained. “She probably took a five-point hit, but it wasn’t that much.” She added that while her opponent will be in the runoff, it’s hard to predict what will happen next.

Recently, Mace and Trump have had a falling out, especially regarding South Carolina Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette, whom Trump endorsed last week.

Mace remarked, “This is dogfighting. We’re going to be in it and fight to the death.” She also expressed that she wasn’t surprised by Trump’s lack of support, primarily due to her vote in Congress to release documents related to Jeffrey Epstein’s case.

“When I voted to release the Epstein files, I knew it was at stake. I’m a survivor,” she stated. “If the price of approval is not to release those files, I will never pay.” Mace was one of four Republicans who pushed for a House vote on the Epstein File Transparency Act, which called for the Justice Department to disclose millions of documents related to Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell.

Trump’s backing could also benefit South Carolina’s term-limited Governor Henry McMaster, who supports Evette as a potential successor. Trump recently shared, “Pam Evette is a good friend, a fighter, a winner, and will be a great Governor of South Carolina. Pam has my full support. She will never let you down!” This endorsement came just days before the June 9 primary, as early voting began in the state.

The Republican primary on Tuesday is quite competitive, featuring Evette, Attorney General Alan Wilson, Representative Ralph Norman, businessman Rom Reddy, and Mace herself. If no candidate secures a majority, the top two will head to a runoff, which Mace believes could alter the dynamics of the race, despite Trump’s endorsement of Evette.

Mace concluded, “I disagree with this endorsement. I’m going to vote for myself and I’m asking South Carolina voters to vote for me on Tuesday as well.”