Nancy Mace Brands Herself ‘Trump in High Heels’ in Bid for South Carolina Governor
Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) officially entered the 2026 South Carolina governor’s race on Monday, promising to bring what she calls a “Trump in high heels” approach to state leadership.
Speaking to NewsNation, Mace said she intends to carry forward former President Donald Trump’s agenda at the state level.
“We have a real opportunity in 2026 to advance America First policies across the country,” Mace said. “We need governors who will take the lead in putting those policies into action.”
Mace also made it clear that she’s aiming to win Trump’s endorsement.
“He’s a kingmaker — or in this case, maybe a queenmaker,” she said. “We’re rolling out policies I believe he’ll support, and I’ll be working hard to earn his backing.”
Defending her political style, Mace rejected the idea that she’s combative.
“There’s nothing combative about wanting a brighter future for all of South Carolina,” she said, highlighting issues like illegal immigration, transgender policies, and what she called the burden of South Carolina’s high state income tax — the highest in the Southeast.
Mace’s political career has been marked by controversy. In April, she sparked backlash after posting a viral video in which she cursed at a voter she described as an “unhinged lunatic.” Critics accused her of homophobia after she implied the man was gay — despite him never referencing his sexuality — raising questions given her past claims of being pro-LGBTQ.
Earlier, in February, Mace made headlines again for repeating an anti-transgender slur during a House hearing — even after being reprimanded. She later doubled down on her stance and posted several tweets with anti-trans rhetoric.
Despite the controversy, Mace currently leads in early polls, narrowly ahead of South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson, according to NewsNation.
She joins a crowded Republican field seeking to replace outgoing GOP Gov. Henry McMaster, who is barred from running again due to term limits.