Who Is Nancy Mace? Ex-Trump Critic Joins 2026 South Carolina Governor Race

Republican Congresswoman Nancy Mace has officially entered the race for South Carolina Governor in the upcoming 2026 elections. She made her campaign announcement through a video titled “Huge MAGA Announcement” released on her website.

Mace is currently serving as the U.S. Representative for South Carolina’s 1st Congressional District, a position she’s held since 2021. Her entry adds momentum to an already crowded Republican field. Other major GOP contenders include:

• Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette

• Attorney General Alan Wilson

• State Senator Josh Kimbrell

• Congressman Ralph Norman

From Waffle House to Washington

Nancy Mace’s story is one of resilience. At age 17, she dropped out of high school and worked at a Waffle House. Later, she made history by becoming the first female graduate of The Citadel’s Corps of Cadets, a notable military college.

Her political career began in the South Carolina General Assembly (2018–2020). She then defeated Democrat Joe Cunningham in 2020, becoming the first Republican woman elected to Congress from South Carolina.

Relationship with Donald Trump

Mace’s ties with Donald Trump have evolved over time:

• In 2016, she worked on Trump’s presidential campaign.

• After the January 6 Capitol attack, she was one of the few Republicans to publicly criticize Trump.

• Trump later endorsed a primary challenger against her in 2022.

• Despite this, she won her primary and the general election.

• In 2024, she endorsed Trump for president and defended him in his classified documents case.

Early Polling Leads

According to a South Carolina Policy Council poll, Mace is currently leading the GOP field with 16% support. Trailing closely behind is Alan Wilson at 15%, with Pamela Evette at 8%, Ralph Norman at 6%, and Josh Kimbrell at 3%. Notably, 52% of GOP voters remain undecided, leaving room for shifts in the race.

Another poll by Winthrop University showed that Mace has the highest name recognition, with 52% of South Carolinians familiar with her, ahead of Wilson (39%) and Evette (32%).

Tensions with Alan Wilson

In February 2025, Mace accused Attorney General Alan Wilson of ignoring sexual assault allegations made by her and other women. Wilson denied the claims and said no such complaints had ever been filed with his office. He also refused to mention Mace by name during his response.