Full Breakdown
Nancy Mace’s Defeat in the South Carolina GOP Gubernatorial Primary
6/10/2026, 5:52:59 AM
Primary Result
On June 9, 2026, South Carolina voters eliminated Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) from the Republican gubernatorial primary. The Associated Press called the race after Mace placed fifth, failing to win any county, including her home county of Charleston. Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette and Attorney General Alan Wilson advanced to a June 23 runoff. Preliminary tallies showed Evette with roughly 29 % of the vote and Wilson with about 26 %, while Mace garnered between 11 % and 12 % according to multiple outlets.
Background & Context
Governor Henry McMaster is term-limited, prompting a crowded field of eleven candidates—the first open governor’s race in South Carolina since 2010. The contest quickly centered on securing former President Donald Trump’s endorsement, a factor that has proven decisive in recent GOP primaries. Trump announced his “complete and total endorsement” of Evette on May 29, citing her early support for his 2024 presidential bid.
Key Figures & Groups
- Nancy Mace – U.S. Representative, former moderate turned right-leaning firebrand, vocal advocate for releasing the Jeffrey Epstein files.
- Pamela Evette – Lieutenant Governor, Trump-backed candidate, former state legislator.
- Alan Wilson – Attorney General, son of Rep. Joe Wilson, positioned as a “law-and-order” contender.
- Donald Trump – Former President, whose endorsement was sought by all major candidates.
- South Carolina Republican electorate – Voters whose preferences were split among establishment, Trump-aligned, and outsider candidates.
Data & Statistics
- Evette: 29.1 % (AP) / 29 % (NBC)
- Wilson: 26.5 % (AP) / 26 % (NBC)
- Ralph Norman: 16.4 % (TPM)
- Rom Reddy: 14.9 % (TPM)
- Mace: 11.4 % (TPM) / 11 % (NBC) – fifth place, no county victories.
- Voter turnout exceeded 80 % of expected ballots by the time results were reported.
Official Statements & Responses
Mace conceded the race, describing the campaign as “the end of a chapter” and pledged to continue advocacy as a private citizen. She subsequently endorsed Wilson, calling him a “law-and-order governor.” Evette thanked Trump, attributing her first-place finish to his “complete and total endorsement.” Wilson emphasized a platform of safety, lower costs, and taxpayer protection. Trump’s endorsement post highlighted Evette’s “early and unwavering” support for his 2024 campaign.
Criticism & Opposition
Analysts linked Mace’s poor showing to several controversies: her 2023 vote to release the Epstein files, which she herself said cost her support; a record of anti-transgender legislation; allegations of a hostile staff environment; and a public feud with Attorney General Wilson over alleged sexual-abuse claims. Critics argued that these factors alienated both Trump-aligned voters and moderate Republicans.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on Mace’s exact vote share (11.4 % vs. 11 %) and on whether she placed fifth statewide or third/fourth within her congressional district. County-level results beyond the statement that she won no counties are not provided, leaving a gap in granular performance data.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This isn’t the end of the fight, but it is the end of a chapter,” — Nancy Mace, concession speech.
- “Serving South Carolina has been the greatest honor of my life,” she said in a statement, adding: “I voted to release the Epstein files and lost some support for that.” — Nancy Mace, social-media post.
- “I want a law and order governor, and that law and order governor is going to be Alan Wilson.” — Nancy Mace, endorsement announcement.
- “She never wavered, never let me down, and was the only South Carolina Gubernatorial Candidate to Endorse me as soon as I launched my 2024 Presidential Campaign.” — Donald Trump, Truth Social.
- “Tonight, South Carolina families sent a clear message: they want a Governor who will fight for their families, lower costs, keep communities safe, and put taxpayers first,” — Alan Wilson, post-primary statement.
- “I’m at peace with that,” — Nancy Mace, post-primary comment.
What’s Next
The Republican runoff between Evette and Wilson on June 23 will determine the party’s nominee, who is expected to dominate the November 3 general election in a state that has not elected a Democratic governor since 1998. Mace has indicated she will not seek re-election to Congress and plans to support Wilson’s campaign as a private citizen.
