South Carolina Representative Nancy Mace initiates gubernatorial campaign within the state Republican party
South Carolina Congresswoman Announces Gubernatorial Bid, Embracing Trump and Cultural Conservatism
Republican Representative Nancy Mace of South Carolina has officially announced her campaign for the state's gubernatorial primary in 2026. In a video announcement, Mace positioned herself as a strong ally of former President Donald Trump, emphasizing her commitment to cultural conservative issues, particularly opposition to transgender rights in women's spaces.
Mace, currently serving her third term in Congress, has been vocal about her desire for Trump's endorsement. Despite previous conflicts, such as Trump's backing of a primary challenger against her in 2022, she has publicly courted his support. Mace endorsed Trump in the 2024 Republican primary and defends his presidency and legacy.
One of Mace's key campaign issues is the protection of women's rights from transgender inclusion. She opposes transgender women using women's restrooms and locker rooms, framing it as a "war" against cultural left policies. Mace emphasizes "biological truth" in her rhetoric, arguing against allowing men in women's spaces, including showers near young girls, which she has made a prominent issue in her campaign speeches.
Mace's campaign events resemble rally-style town halls focused on conservative cultural issues and Trump’s agenda. She frames her gubernatorial bid as a continuation of fighting "the far left" and protecting women's rights, while also linking her fight to supporting Trump’s broader political movement.
Earlier in her career, Mace worked for Trump’s 2016 campaign but publicly condemned his role in the January 6 Capitol attack. However, she later reaffirmed her support by endorsing him in 2024. Mace has also shown conservative credentials with some independent stances, such as introducing legislation for marijuana reform. However, the dominant themes of her current campaign are cultural conservatism and Trump alignment.
In an interesting twist, Mace released her video announcement for the gubernatorial race on Monday, featuring a graphic that reads, "Nancy Mace for Governor." The graphic was later shared on social media. Last year, Mace introduced a resolution to ban transgender women from using the women's restrooms at the Capitol.
As the 2026 gubernatorial race in South Carolina heats up, Mace's commitment to Trump and her conservative stance on cultural issues are likely to be key factors in her campaign.
Nancy Mace's campaign for the South Carolina gubernatorial primary in 2026, as revealed in her video announcement, is heavily centered on her alignment with former President Donald Trump and her strong stance on cultural conservative issues, particularly women's rights, specifically opposing transgender inclusion in women's spaces, which she refers to as a war against cultural left policies. Furthermore, Mace's events resemble rally-style town halls supporting Trump's agenda, and she frames her campaign as a continuation of fighting "the far left" and protecting women's rights, positioning herself as part of Trump's political movement.
