South Carolina Republican Rep. Nancy Mace has officially announced her candidacy for the governor’s race in 2026. During her speech at The Citadel, she urged, “Take the truth into the sunlight and turn the table over if you want it.”
Mace is joining the race following Republican Rep. Ralph Norman’s announcement in late July, making her the second member of the South Carolina Legislature to jump into the gubernatorial competition. She is now one of five Republicans running, alongside Lt. Col. Pamela Evett and state attorney general Alan Wilson.
Addressing the audience, Mace reflected on South Carolina’s political environment, stating, “When there was a sanctuary sheriff in South Carolina, elected officials across the state didn’t say a word.” She criticized Wilson for his public stance, challenging his commitment to law enforcement with specific examples of cases involving child molestation.
In June, Mace hinted at her potential candidacy during an interview, expressing concerns over the state’s system: “The system is broken there and we might be forced to run.” She has witnessed, firsthand, the dysfunction and complacency among officials, saying, “No one else had the courage to do what they had to say or do what they had to do.”
According to Mace, the most significant issues raised by voters are high taxes, increasing crime, failing schools, judicial corruption, and radical agendas in education. “I laid out a bold roadmap to fix it,” she asserted, mentioning plans to eliminate state income taxes over five years and to overhaul the justice system.
Mace has characterized the state’s current tax issues as detrimental to freedom, saying South Carolinians “pay more, and do less.” She expressed intentions to travel around the state, engaging directly with voters and promising a different kind of leadership. “South Carolina doesn’t need another politician; it needs a fighter,” she said.
She also plans to launch a series of events called the “Mother of All Town Halls,” aimed at fostering direct communication with the public. Regarding her approach, she emphasized that her rallies would be distinct from Donald Trump’s, showing a more personal touch to the campaign.
Ultimately, Mace stressed her commitment to protecting women and children, stating this issue is deeply personal for her. She pledged that under her governance, South Carolina would take a strong stance against ideologies she opposes in educational settings, promising to safeguard women’s sports and rights.
In summary, Mace’s campaign is centered around making significant reforms in taxation, law enforcement, education, and protecting family values, aiming to resonate with voters who desire bold and decisive leadership.
