U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace has secured the Republican nomination after a tumultuous second term in South Carolina. This period saw her transition from a critic to an ally of former President Donald Trump, making headlines for various reasons outside the House floor.
Mace emerged victorious over challengers Catherine Templeton and Bill Young in the voting that concluded on Tuesday. She is set to face a Democratic opponent in the general election in the 1st District, which is considered a swing district in the Republican-dominated state of South Carolina.
Despite Trump’s endorsement, following his negative comments about her in 2022, Mace continues to attract significant attention beyond what one would expect for a second-term member of Congress.
She frequently appears on interview shows, often challenging the hosts. While advocating for her party to adopt moderation on issues like abortion and marijuana, Mace joined seven of the most far-right members to remove former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy.
McCarthy actively opposed Mace and the other defectors, with his political action committee making contributions to Mace’s opponents. However, Mace remains steadfast in her belief that she is representing the values of the 1st District faithfully.
Mace, the first woman to graduate from South Carolina’s military academy, The Citadel, expressed gratitude to her supporters for seeing past the negativity from her opponents and recognizing her willingness to stand up to powerful figures.
Mace’s opponents criticize her for appearing inconsistent on issues, with Templeton having previously served in state leadership and Young being a Marine veteran and financial planner.
In the Democratic primary, businessman Michael Moore emerged victorious, defeating his opponent Mac Deford.
The South Carolina 1st District, redesigned to favor Republicans after a brief flip in 2018, is the only district that former Governor Nikki Haley won over Trump in the 2024 South Carolina Republican presidential primary.
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4th District
U.S. Rep. William Timmons secured the Republican nomination in the 4th District, overcoming a challenge from state Rep. Adam Morgan who criticized Timmons for being too liberal.
Despite facing personal challenges, Timmons denied allegations of misconduct and received Trump’s endorsement for his fourth term in office.
Timmons, grateful for the support, emphasized his conservative record and dismissed the accusations from his opponent as misinformation.
Timmons will face Democrat Kathryn Harvey and Constitutional Party candidate Mark Hackett in the upcoming general election.
3rd District
The 3rd District’s Republican nomination is heading to a runoff between candidates endorsed by Trump and McMaster. Mark Burns and Sheri Biggs emerged as the top contenders, defeating several other candidates in the race.
The Democratic nomination in the 3rd District went to Byron Best from Greenwood, who works as a paint store manager at Sherwin-Williams.
Other races
Incumbent Republican Rep. Joe Wilson secured the party’s nomination in the 2nd District and will face Democrat David Robinson II in the general election.
Attorney Duke Buckner won the Republican primary in the 6th District and will challenge Democratic U.S. Rep. Jim Clyburn for the seat.
In the 7th District Democratic primary, teacher Mal Hyman faces veteran Daryl Scott, with the winner set to compete against Republican U.S. Rep. Russel Fry in the general election.
