Politics

Nancy Mace’s Potential for South Carolina Governor Based on New Polls

By Jake Beardslee · August 2, 2025

U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., speaks during the Iowa Faith and Freedom Coalition 25th Annual Spring Kickoff at Horizon Events Center on Saturday, April 12, 2025. Lily Smith/The Register / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Representative Nancy Mace (R-SC) is widely expected to announce her candidacy for governor of South Carolina, with a scheduled “special announcement” planned for August 4 at The Citadel fueling speculation. Mace’s entry would add further intensity to an already competitive Republican primary field vying to succeed term-limited Governor Henry McMaster.

Speculation increased after her office promoted a “major address on the future of South Carolina,” and an event labeled “Nancy Mace for Governor” was briefly posted online before being edited. Mace has repeatedly hinted at her ambitions, saying the state has gone “woke” and claiming, “President Donald Trump needs America First governors.”

Mace, who has served South Carolina’s 1st congressional district since 2021, currently holds a slight polling edge in a crowded GOP field. According to a July South Carolina Policy Council poll, Mace received 16% support among GOP voters—just ahead of Attorney General Alan Wilson at 15%. Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette polled at 8%, Representative Ralph Norman at 6%, and State Senator Josh Kimbrell at 3%. However, a majority of voters—52%—remain undecided.

Political analysts expect a heated and unpredictable primary. “It’s obviously going to make the race very fractious,” said Scott Huffmon, director of the Winthrop Poll, told Newsweek that Mace’s polarizing style and alliance with Trump will likely shape the race. “She definitely has gotten back into his good graces.”

While Mace enjoys broader name recognition than many of her rivals, Huffmon noted that Representative Norman may emerge as a more “calm and steady” alternative. “He has the possibility of maybe calling in a favor from Nikki Haley and getting an endorsement,” Huffmon added.

Governor McMaster’s potential endorsement could play a pivotal role. Though his fiscal views align more closely with Norman, his established relationship with Wilson may also factor in. For now, McMaster has not signaled whom he will support.