Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) has officially entered the 2026 South Carolina gubernatorial race, positioning herself as a strong contender in a crowded Republican primary. Mace, currently serving her third term in Congress, announced her candidacy with a promise to challenge the status quo, stating, “South Carolina doesn’t need another empty suit. It needs a governor who will fight for you and your values.”

Her campaign platform emphasizes fiscal restraint and education reform. Mace proposes freezing the state’s general fund spending at approximately $11.6 billion, requiring agencies to cut budgets by 3% to 4% annually, expanding access to vocational and trade schools, and defunding any office or agency that refuses to comply with state or federal law.  She has also aligned herself with former President Donald Trump, showcasing her pro-Trump credentials in her campaign materials. Despite past tensions, Mace and Trump endorsed each other during the 2024 election cycle.

The Republican field includes Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, Rep. Ralph Norman, and a former prosecutor whom Mace has accused of mishandling an abuse case involving her ex-fiancé. Recent polling data indicates a competitive race, with Mace leading in some surveys. A poll conducted in August 2025 shows Mace leading the field with 25% support, ahead of Attorney General Alan Wilson at 17%, Congressman Ralph Norman at 10%, Lt. Governor Pamela Evette at 6%, and State Senator Josh Kimbrell at 3%.

Mace’s campaign has attracted significant attention, including a notable fundraising advantage. She has raised approximately $1 million over the past three months, with nearly 20,000 individual contributions, though a substantial portion of these donations came from out-of-state donors. Her campaign also gained media attention when she dressed as a Waffle House waitress to promote school choice, highlighting her personal journey and advocacy for nontraditional education paths.