South Carolina Republican representative, Nancy Mace, initiates her campaign for the state's governorship, describing herself as a 'Trump in high heels'.

Republican Rep. Nancy Mace of South Carolina has officially announced her run for governor in the 2026 elections. Mace, who flipped the 1st District after one term with a Democratic representative, made her announcement at The Citadel military college in Charleston and plans to start a statewide series of town halls later this week.

Mace, the first woman to graduate from The Citadel, the state's military college, emphasised her commitment to conservative values, transparency, and truth in governance. She positioned herself as a strong, combative candidate who will challenge the status quo, drawing a clear line for South Carolina.

Backing President Trump’s Agenda

Mace's policy platform for the 2026 South Carolina governor race focuses on aligning with former President Donald Trump's agenda, representing conservative and "Trump-style" politics. She believes she is best positioned to carry out Trump's agenda in South Carolina.

A Combative, Reform-Driven Leadership

Mace advocates for a governor who will be proactive and unafraid to “drag the truth into sunlight” and “flip the tables” if necessary, signaling a combative, reform-driven leadership style.

Emphasis on Conservative Governance

Mace's campaign emphasises conservative governance, particularly in cultural issues like LGBTQ+ rights and education policy, aligning with far-right positions on these matters.

Authenticity and Active Defense of South Carolina’s Values

Mace frames herself as a contrast to traditional politicians by promising authenticity and active defense of South Carolina’s conservative values.

Competitive Primary

Mace enters a competitive Republican primary that includes other prominent state figures. Her campaign is expected to continue to lean into Trump-aligned conservative policies and cultural issues to distinguish herself within the crowded field.

Notably, Mace has largely supported Trump, but she levied criticism against him following the Jan. 6, 2021, violence at the U.S. Capitol. She also called Trump early this year as part of an effort to persuade GOP holdouts to support Rep. Mike Johnson to become House speaker.

Mace has faced criticism from another man she mentioned, who has sued her for defamation, arguing the accusations were a "dangerous mix of falsehoods and baseless accusations." Mace's ex-fiancé has categorically denied the accusations.

Mace's platform also includes shoring up the state's criminal justice system, ending South Carolina’s income tax, protecting women and children, expanding school choice and vocational education, and improving the state's energy options.

Several other Republicans, including Atty. General Alan Wilson, Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, and Rep. Ralph Norman, have already entered the state's governor's race.

[1] Kinnard, Jeffrey Collins. (2022). GOP Rep. Nancy Mace announces run for South Carolina governor. Associated Press. [2] Kinnard, Jeffrey Collins. (2022). Mace's policy platform leans far-right in South Carolina governor's race. Associated Press. [3] Kinnard, Jeffrey Collins. (2022). Mace's ex-fiancé denies abuse accusations in South Carolina governor's race. Associated Press.

Mace, running for governor in the 2026 elections in South Carolina, has aligned her policy platform with former President Trump's agenda, promising to uphold conservative and "Trump-style" politics.
In her governance, Mace intends to be proactive, unafraid to expose the truth and challenge the status quo, demonstrating a combative, reform-driven leadership style.
According to Mace's campaign, she will prioritize conservative values, particularly in issues like LGBTQ+ rights and education policy, aligning with far-right positions.
Mace asserts her authenticity and commitment to actively defend South Carolina's traditional values as a contrast to conventional politicians.
In the Republican primary, Mace will contend against other prominent state figures, with her campaign focusing on Trump-aligned conservative policies and cultural issues to differentiate herself.
Despite her support for Trump, Mace has faced criticism, including a lawsuit for defamation from a man she mentioned, with her ex-fiancé denying the accusations.
Mace's platform includes reforming South Carolina's criminal justice system, abolishing the state's income tax, safeguarding women and children, increasing school choice and vocational education, and improving the state's energy options.
The crowded Republican primary for South Carolina's governor's race also includes Atty. General Alan Wilson, Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, and Rep. Ralph Norman.
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South Carolina Republican representative, Nancy Mace, initiates her campaign for the state's governorship, describing herself as a 'Trump in high heels'.