Nancy Mace Loses South Carolina GOP Governor Primary as Trump-Backed Pamela Evette Advances

Rep. Nancy Mace’s campaign for South Carolina governor came to an abrupt end on Tuesday after she failed to secure enough support in the Republican primary to advance to the runoff election. Once considered one of the strongest candidates in the race, Mace’s defeat marks a significant setback for a politician who has spent years building a reputation as one of the Republican Party’s most outspoken and unpredictable voices.

Instead, South Carolina Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette and Attorney General Alan Wilson emerged as the top two finishers and will face off in a June 23 runoff to determine the Republican nominee for governor.

A Race That Changed Dramatically Over Time

At the start of the campaign, Mace appeared well-positioned to compete for the governor’s mansion. Her statewide name recognition and high-profile role in Congress gave her an advantage in a crowded Republican field.

But as the race unfolded, the political landscape shifted. A series of controversies and growing criticism from rivals began to weigh on her campaign. At the same time, questions surrounding her relationship with former President Donald Trump became an increasingly important issue for Republican voters. What began as a promising campaign gradually turned into an uphill battle.

Trump’s Endorsement Reshaped the Contest

Pamela Evette Secures Key Support

For months, candidates competing in the South Carolina Republican primary sought to win Trump’s backing. Yet the former president largely stayed out of the race until the final stretch. That changed when Trump endorsed Pamela Evette just weeks before voters headed to the polls.

The endorsement gave Evette a valuable boost and reinforced her ties to outgoing Republican Gov. Henry McMaster, one of Trump’s longtime allies. In a Republican primary where Trump’s influence remains powerful, the endorsement quickly became one of the defining moments of the race.

Mace Recognized the Political Risk

Before the election, Mace acknowledged that her involvement in efforts related to the release of Jeffrey Epstein files likely damaged her chances of earning Trump’s support. Although she continued her campaign without seeking to change course, the lack of an endorsement left her at a disadvantage against rivals who were competing for the support of Trump’s loyal voter base.

Negative Campaigning Added to the Pressure

Mace’s campaign also faced an aggressive wave of attacks from opponents. Millions of dollars were spent on advertisements criticizing her record and questioning her leadership. The steady stream of negative messaging made it harder for her campaign to regain momentum during the final weeks before the primary. Combined with Trump’s decision to support another candidate, those challenges proved difficult to overcome.

Evette and Wilson Move On to the Runoff

With Mace out of the race, attention now turns to Pamela Evette and Alan Wilson.

Republicans Prepare for a Competitive Final Battle

Both candidates enter the runoff with established political networks and strong support among Republican voters. The June 23 contest will determine who becomes the party’s nominee and who will carry the Republican banner into the general election.

As one of the most closely watched races in South Carolina politics, the runoff is expected to draw significant attention in the weeks ahead.

What Comes Next for Nancy Mace?

Mace’s loss leaves her political future uncertain. By choosing to run for governor, she gave up the opportunity to seek reelection to her congressional seat along South Carolina’s coast. She has also indicated that she does not plan to launch a comeback campaign for Congress.

As a result, her current term in the House of Representatives could mark the end of this chapter of her political career.

Final Months in Congress Could Be Closely Watched

While her gubernatorial ambitions have ended, Mace will continue serving in Congress for the remainder of her term. Freed from the demands of another campaign, she may take a more independent approach during her final months in office. Political observers will be watching to see how she positions herself on key issues and whether she remains willing to challenge figures within her own party.

Another Reminder of Trump’s Influence in Republican Politics

The South Carolina primary once again highlighted the influence Donald Trump continues to hold within the Republican Party. For many voters, endorsements from Trump remain a powerful signal in competitive GOP races. Mace’s defeat, coupled with Evette’s late surge following Trump’s endorsement, underscores how significant that support can be.

For Nancy Mace, the result is a disappointing end to a campaign that once showed considerable promise. For South Carolina Republicans, the focus now shifts to a runoff that will decide who gets the chance to lead the party into the governor’s race later this year.

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