Representative Nancy Mace (R-SC) shared a photo on June 1, 2026, featuring herself with President Donald Trump, which some interpret as an attempt to bolster her gubernatorial campaign. This post comes after Trump endorsed her opponent, Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, in the upcoming South Carolina gubernatorial race.
Mace highlighted her past work for Trump during his 2016 campaign in South Carolina, stating, "I’m the only candidate running for Governor who worked for President Trump and helped get him elected in South Carolina in 2016 – the very first time he ran."
The Republican primary in South Carolina is scheduled for June 9, where Mace will compete against Evette and five other candidates, including Rep. Ralph Norman (R-SC), South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson, former business executive Rom Reddy, and state Sen. Josh Kimbrell.
Trump's endorsement of Evette emphasized her loyalty, stating, "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." Evette is also supported by term-limited Gov. Henry McMaster (R-SC).
In response to Trump's endorsement of Evette, Mace expressed respect for the president but stressed the need for change in the state. She also criticized Evette and McMaster Jr., calling their relationship "incestuous" and referencing past comments made by McMaster Jr. Mace attributed Trump's lack of support to her signing a discharge petition related to the Epstein Files. Recent polling indicates Mace is trailing behind Evette and Wilson in the GOP primary race.