Mark Sanford Mounts Congressional Comeback After Affair Allegations

The former South Carolina governor is running for the House seat being vacated by Rep. Nancy Mace.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 12:04am

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A moody, cinematic painting of a lone figure standing on a shadowy urban street corner, the warm light casting dramatic shadows and highlighting the solitary nature of the scene, conveying a sense of political isolation and uncertainty.As Mark Sanford attempts to revive his political career, the former governor's return to the public eye evokes a sense of melancholy and introspection.Hilton Head Island Today

Mark Sanford, the former Republican governor of South Carolina, has filed paperwork to run for Congress in the state's 1st District. This comes months after allegations surfaced of an affair between Sanford and journalist Olivia Nuzzi. Sanford previously served two stints in the House, from 1995 to 2001 and 2013 to 2019, before an infamous 2009 scandal in which he claimed to be hiking the Appalachian Trail when he was actually in Argentina with his mistress.

Why it matters

Sanford's attempted political comeback raises questions about the lasting impact of personal scandals on a politician's career. The 1st District is considered a safe Republican seat, so Sanford's nomination could set up a high-profile race in the 2026 midterm elections.

The details

Sanford is running in the expansive 1st District, which is being vacated by Rep. Nancy Mace as she seeks the GOP nomination for governor. Sanford has a $1.3 million war chest from previous campaigns that he can use. The allegations of an affair with Nuzzi surfaced in late 2022, with Nuzzi's ex-fiancé claiming the two had a relationship during Sanford's 2020 presidential campaign.

  • Sanford filed paperwork to run for Congress on Monday, March 30, 2026.
  • Sanford's alleged affair with Nuzzi was first reported in November 2022.

The players

Mark Sanford

A former Republican governor of South Carolina who is attempting a political comeback by running for Congress in the state's 1st District.

Olivia Nuzzi

A journalist who was allegedly involved in an affair with Sanford during his 2020 presidential campaign.

Rep. Nancy Mace

The current Republican representative of South Carolina's 1st District, who is vacating the seat to run for governor.

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What they’re saying

“'People have been telling me it's time to get off the bleachers,'”

— Mark Sanford

“'Our nation's debt is the issue that will define whether this country survives in the form we've known it. It will also define how young and old fare over the years ahead, because inflation and interest rates, the value of the dollar, and our ability to afford all that goes with building and sustaining our lives will be driven by what happens next in confronting Washington's addiction to spending money we don't have on programs we can't afford.'”

— Mark Sanford

What’s next

The crowded Republican primary race in South Carolina's 1st District will be one to watch as Sanford attempts to mount a political comeback. The winner of the GOP primary will be heavily favored to win the general election in the solidly Republican district.

The takeaway

Sanford's return to politics after a high-profile scandal highlights the complex dynamics of political redemption and the lasting impact of personal controversies on a candidate's electability. His campaign will test voters' willingness to forgive past transgressions and focus on fiscal issues.