Representative Nancy Mace stated that President Donald Trump’s endorsement of her opponent in South Carolina’s Republican gubernatorial primary has failed to significantly impact the race. The congresswoman told reporters that grassroots conservative voters remain “very upset” with Trump’s decision to back Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette. Mace emphasized that Evette received only a modest polling boost following the presidential endorsement, describing the current political landscape as intensely competitive ahead of Tuesday’s primary election.
The South Carolina lawmaker expressed confidence that the race will likely proceed to a runoff election, where she believes the dynamics could shift dramatically. Mace characterized the contest as a “dog fight” and pledged to campaign vigorously until the end. The Republican primary features a crowded field that includes Evette, Attorney General Alan Wilson, Representative Ralph Norman, businessman Rom Reddy, and Mace herself. If no candidate secures a majority of votes, the top two finishers will advance to a second round of voting.
Endorsement generates minimal polling movement for lieutenant governor
Mace revealed that Trump’s endorsement delivered approximately a five-point bump in polling for Evette, far less than what political analysts typically expect from a presidential endorsement in Republican primaries. The congresswoman attributed this limited impact to dissatisfaction among grassroots Republican voters with the president’s choice. Trump announced his support for Evette last week, praising her as a “good friend, fighter, and winner” who would make a “terrific governor” of South Carolina. The endorsement came just days before early voting commenced in the state and less than a week before the June 9 primary election.
The president’s backing also aligned with outgoing Governor Henry McMaster’s endorsement of his lieutenant governor. McMaster, who is term-limited and cannot seek reelection, has actively campaigned for Evette as his preferred successor. Trump indicated in his endorsement statement that he expected Evette would select McMaster’s son, Henry McMaster Jr., as her running mate if she wins the nomination. The president wrote that Evette has his “complete and total endorsement” and promised she would “never let you down.”
Epstein files vote creates tension between Mace and Trump
The congresswoman acknowledged that her relationship with President Trump deteriorated following her vote in Congress to release documents related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Mace was one of four Republican representatives who signed a petition last year to force a House vote on the Epstein Files Transparency Act. The legislation urged the Department of Justice to publish all information from its investigation into Epstein and his associate Ghislaine Maxwell, potentially involving millions of documents.
Mace stated she anticipated losing Trump’s support when she voted for the measure. As a survivor herself, the congresswoman said she would never compromise on the issue regardless of political consequences. She told reporters that if the price for receiving a presidential endorsement was refusing to release the Epstein files, she would never pay that price. The vote represented a significant break between Mace and Trump, who had previously supported her congressional campaigns.
Candidate challenges president’s decision publicly
Mace took the unusual step of publicly disagreeing with Trump’s endorsement decision. She directly stated her opposition to the president’s choice and announced she would vote for herself in Tuesday’s primary. The congresswoman called on South Carolina voters to support her candidacy despite Trump’s backing of her opponent. This direct challenge to a sitting president’s endorsement represents a calculated political risk in a state where Republican primary voters typically align closely with Trump’s preferences.
- Trump endorsed Pamela Evette approximately one week before the primary election.
- Mace voted to release Jeffrey Epstein investigation files through the Transparency Act.
- The Republican primary field includes five major candidates competing for the nomination.
- A runoff election will occur if no candidate wins a majority on Tuesday.
- Governor Henry McMaster is term-limited and cannot seek another term.
The congresswoman’s strategy appears focused on positioning herself as the grassroots conservative choice in potential runoff scenarios. She suggested that voter sentiment could shift significantly in a head-to-head matchup, particularly if concerns about establishment endorsements continue resonating with the Republican base. Mace has built her campaign around issues including government transparency, opposition to what she characterizes as progressive policies in higher education, and proposed constitutional restrictions on foreign-born lawmakers serving in Congress.
Primary outcome could reshape Republican leadership in state
South Carolina’s gubernatorial race carries significant implications for Republican Party dynamics in the state. The winner will succeed McMaster, who has served as governor since 2017 and previously held the lieutenant governor position. The primary represents a test of whether presidential endorsements maintain their traditional influence in Republican contests or whether grassroots conservative movements can successfully challenge establishment-backed candidates. Political observers note that early voting patterns and turnout levels will provide important indicators of voter enthusiasm for different candidates.
Attorney General Alan Wilson and Representative Ralph Norman bring statewide name recognition and established political networks to the contest. Wilson has served as the state’s top law enforcement officer, while Norman represents South Carolina’s 5th congressional district. Businessman Rom Reddy offers an outsider perspective to voters seeking candidates without extensive political backgrounds. The diversity of the Republican field suggests no single candidate has consolidated support across all conservative voting blocs in the state. Tuesday’s results will determine whether the race concludes quickly or extends into a prolonged runoff campaign that could last several additional weeks.
