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By Monica Sager and Gabe Whisnant
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Republican Representative Nancy Mace of South Carolina announced on Wednesday that she is "seriously considering" a gubernatorial run in 2026 and expects to make a final decision in the coming weeks.
Newsweek reached out to Mace's office for comment.
Why It Matters
South Carolina's current governor, Henry McMaster, is on a term limit and will not be able to seek a third full consecutive office. The Republican took office after Nikki Haley became the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations during President Donald Trump's first administration.
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Mace has represented South Carolina's first congressional district since 2021. She worked for Trump's campaign in 2016 and voted against impeaching him. She also endorsed Trump in the 2024 presidential primary.
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What To Know
Mace, who secured her third term representing South Carolina's 1st District last year, told the Associated Press that she plans to seek support from President Trump.
"We are seriously considering a statewide run for governor in 2026," Mace said.
"I've been in the state Legislature before, I have great relationships in Washington now, and I've acquired the leadership necessary to be bold, to make sure that we are moving forward with conservative policies," Mace said. "I have made a difference in the work that I have done up here, and know that I could do even more at the state level."
Trump, who has remained popular in South Carolina since his pivotal 2016 primary victory there, also backed Mace in her GOP primary race last year. She suggested that Trump would support her gubernatorial bid.
"Trump is going to need people in governor seats in '26. It's not going to be an easy election cycle for us," Mace said. "In '26, we need people who can win, win big, and implement his agenda, and I will do that. I've been doing it. I have a great relationship with him, and I will be asking him for his support statewide in South Carolina."
Who Is Nancy Mace?
Mace represents her state's only swing district, which includes the Charleston area. Former Vice President Kamala Harris beat Trump in Charleston County in November's presidential election, even though he won the state by 18 points.
The congresswoman has been in the spotlight recently for many arguments she has caused within the House of Representatives. She introduced a resolution banning transgender women from using women's bathrooms at the U.S. Capitol or House office buildings, targeting a key issue among social conservatives that could also boost her profile statewide. Her proposal came days after Delaware's Sarah McBride became the first transgender person elected to the House of Representatives.
Shortly after Mace introduced her legislation, she went on a social media tear railing against the transgender community and prompting her one-time communications director to speak out.
The South Carolina representative has also said the federal government is "absolutely not" being honest about what they know around the mysterious drones that popped up around the East Coast.
A Republican consultant whose firm used to work with Mace said he "fired" her, adding that she's a "pitiful embarrassment" to South Carolina. Mace has also mocked Democratic Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, saying she lives "rent-free" in the New York representative's head
Just last week, Mace and Democratic Texas Representative Jasmine Crockett fought as the House voted to ban transgender athletes from women's sports at federally funded institutions.
Mace, however, has acknowledged she needs to spend more time with South Carolina voters in more conservative areas like the Upstate region, according to the Associated Press. She said she will visit every county as she explores running for governor.
What Happens Next
The next election for South Carolina governor will take place on November 3, 2026. Candidates cannot file to formally enter the race for another year.
Attorney General Alan Wilson and Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette are among those also mulling bids of their own, according to the Associated Press.
Update 1/22/25, 3:37 p.m. ET: This article was updated with additional information.
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