Nancy Mace announces her run for governor, promising Trump's agenda

In South Carolina, Representative Nancy Mace officially launched her gubernatorial campaign on a Monday, branding her candidacy as a continuation of Donald Trump's political agenda. As a third-term congresswoman, Mace highlighted her legislative successes, including passing the Preventing Violence Against Women by Illegal Aliens Act and securing a significant federal grant for her state. Her campaign focuses on a range of issues, such as the elimination of the state income tax, restoring law and order, and expanding educational opportunities. Mace distinguishes herself as the 'outsider,' positioning herself against the established political elite and claiming she intends to reflect the desires of South Carolinians who seek decisive leadership. Facing a competitive Republican primary, Mace's entry into the race draws considerable public attention, engaging both supporters and detractors alike. She remains a polarizing figure due to previous controversies, particularly regarding her stance on LGBTQ issues and public confrontations. Despite this, she is currently one of the frontrunners in the polls, slightly leading over other candidates, including South Carolina’s Attorney General Alan Wilson. Mace is vocal about her mission to prioritize South Carolina residents first and is clear about her intentions to avoid traditional political advisors, asserting her identity as a fighter. The primary elections are set to unfold on June 9, 2026, and if necessary, a runoff will happen on June 23. As the election cycle approaches, Mace is actively seeking an endorsement from Donald Trump, indicating that her campaign will be heavily influenced by his America First principles. She aims to resonate with voters who value a tough approach to issues such as crime and immigration, and her policies reflect a broader trend observed in the Southeast, where several states are moving toward zero income tax to attract new residents and foster economic growth. Mace's campaign promises to take on traditional regulations around transgender issues, reiterating themes that have been drawing both enthusiasm and criticism from various voter demographics. Through her candidacy, Mace hopes to signify a cultural shift in state governance, challenging the status quo and advocating for policies deeply rooted in conservative values. Her campaign represents not just a push for policy changes, but also a stirring of grassroots sentiments among those who feel that their concerns have been overlooked by conventional politicians. With continual public engagement and media attention, Nancy Mace’s gubernatorial bid stands as a bellwether of the prevailing political climate in South Carolina at a time when political divisions appear to be more pronounced than ever.