Rep. Nancy Mace conceded defeat Tuesday, June 9, in South Carolina’s Republican gubernatorial primary, a significant setback for her statewide political ambitions.
With about 44 percent of the vote counted, Mace finished last among the major candidates with just 11 percent.
She quickly endorsed Attorney General Alan Wilson, who placed second with 26.1 percent. Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette led the field with 29.2 percent. The top two will face off in a runoff on June 23.
How the South Carolina Governor Race Shifted in Final Weeks
The loss constitutes a sharp turn for Mace, who entered the race as one of the better-known figures in South Carolina politics.
Her decision to give up a safe coastal House seat for a shot at the governor’s mansion now leaves her political future unclear. In a statement to POLITICO, she ruled out a return bid for her congressional seat.
Mace’s campaign unraveled under the weight of multiple scandals that eroded her support back home and was compounded by a very public break with President Donald Trump.
Late last year, she played a key role in pushing for the release of files related to Jeffrey Epstein, a move that angered Trump and many in the party’s base.
In a pre-primary interview, she admitted the decision likely cost her any chance of winning Trump’s backing.
Trump Endorsement Proved Decisive in Closing Stage
Trump stayed out of the race for months despite six Republicans competing for his favor. He only endorsed Evette in the final two weeks, highlighting her ties to outgoing Gov. Henry McMaster, a longtime Trump ally. That late intervention proved decisive.
Evette and Wilson will now compete to succeed McMaster, who did not seek reelection. The primary had been relatively quiet until the closing stretch, when negative ads flooded the airwaves.
Opponents poured millions into attacks on Mace, questioning her record and consistency. Those spots, paired with Trump’s clear preference for Evette, boxed her out of contention.
Trump has successfully targeted several Republican critics and independents. He helped push out Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky, another lawmaker who worked with Mace on the Epstein files issue, and played a role in defeating Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana.
Also Read: Top 3 Republicans Nancy Mace Accused of Covering Misconduct Scandals
Party insiders see these wins as a warning to anyone considering taking a break from the president’s line.
Mace built her national profile as a sharp-tongued conservative willing to criticize her own party when she saw fit.
She drew attention during House committee hearings and cable news appearances, frequently presenting herself as a voice for fiscal restraint and accountability.
However, that independence came with a huge price in a state where Trump remains deeply popular.
Her gubernatorial bid started with prospects as early polls showed her competitive, and her fundraising numbers were solid.
Reports of internal campaign turmoil, past private controversies, and questions about her legislative effectiveness in Congress chipped away at her support.
Also Read: Thomas Massie Reveals His Next Big Plan after Losing to Trump’s Candidate
In-state Republicans began to view her as more focused on national media than on South Carolina issues.
Even as her numbers slipped, Mace stayed defiant and continued to defend her push for transparency on the Epstein files, arguing that Americans deserved answers regardless of political pressure.
That stance may have earned her praise from some watchdog groups, but it isolated her within the South Carolina GOP.
Mace has several months left in her House term. Freed from the pressure of reelection, she could become a more unpredictable voice on Capitol Hill.
She might decide to use that time to side with Democrats and slow-walk parts of Trump’s agenda as payback for his opposition.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel and X Account for real-time news updates.
