Rep. Nancy Mace Officially Enters S.C. Governor's Race

Congresswoman joins crowded Republican field ahead of June primary

Mar. 24, 2026 at 9:33am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Republican Congresswoman Nancy Mace has officially filed to enter the race to become South Carolina's next governor, joining several other GOP candidates including Rep. Ralph Norman, Attorney General Alan Wilson, and businessman Rom Reddy. Mace, who has represented South Carolina's 1st congressional district since 2021, touted her deep family roots in the state and pledged to "give it everything I got" in her campaign. The Republican and Democratic primaries are scheduled for June 9.

Why it matters

Mace's entry into the governor's race sets up a potentially contentious Republican primary, as the party seeks to retain the governorship in a state that has trended conservative in recent elections. As a sitting member of Congress, Mace brings name recognition and fundraising ability, but will have to distinguish herself from a crowded field of candidates.

The details

Mace officially filed her paperwork to enter the race on Monday. In a statement, she highlighted her family's long history in South Carolina and her desire to "give it everything I got" in the campaign. Mace joins several other Republicans who have already declared their candidacy, including Rep. Ralph Norman, Attorney General Alan Wilson, and businessman Rom Reddy. On the Democratic side, state Rep. Jermaine Johnson and Mullins McLeod will face off in that party's primary.

  • Mace officially filed to enter the race on Monday, March 24, 2026.
  • The Republican and Democratic primaries are scheduled for June 9, 2026.

The players

Rep. Nancy Mace

Republican Congresswoman representing South Carolina's 1st congressional district since 2021, and now a candidate for governor.

Rep. Ralph Norman

Republican Congressman and gubernatorial candidate.

Alan Wilson

Republican Attorney General of South Carolina and gubernatorial candidate.

Rom Reddy

Republican businessman and gubernatorial candidate.

Jermaine Johnson

Democratic state Representative and gubernatorial candidate.

Mullins McLeod

Democratic gubernatorial candidate.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“South Carolina didn't just shape me, it made me. And now it's time to give it everything I got.”

— Rep. Nancy Mace

What’s next

The Republican and Democratic primaries will be held on June 9, 2026, setting the stage for the general election in November.

The takeaway

Mace's entry into the South Carolina governor's race adds another high-profile Republican to a crowded field, as the party seeks to retain control of the state's top office. The primary campaign is likely to be closely watched as a potential preview of the broader GOP battle for the 2028 presidential nomination.