South Carolina Primary Shocker: Nancy Mace Fails to Reach Runoff
The 2026 South Carolina Republican gubernatorial primary delivered one of the biggest political surprises of the election season, as U.S. Representative Nancy Mace failed to advance to the runoff election. The outcome marks a significant setback for one of the state’s most recognizable Republican figures and reshapes the race to succeed term-limited Governor Henry McMaster.
With no candidate securing the majority required to win outright, Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette and South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson emerged as the top two finishers and will face each other in a runoff election scheduled for June 23.
The Republican primary featured a crowded field of high-profile candidates, including Nancy Mace, Pamela Evette, Alan Wilson, Congressman Ralph Norman, and businessman Rom Reddy. Throughout much of the campaign, the race remained highly competitive, with multiple candidates claiming a realistic path to victory. However, as votes were counted across the state, Evette and Wilson established clear leads over the rest of the field. Mace ultimately finished outside the top tier of candidates, ending her gubernatorial campaign earlier than many political observers expected.
One of the defining moments of the campaign came when President Donald Trump endorsed Pamela Evette. Political analysts viewed the endorsement as a significant boost for Evette’s campaign, helping her consolidate support among Republican voters in the final days before the election. The endorsement also highlighted a challenge for Mace, who had long been associated with the broader Trump movement but did not receive his backing in the governor’s race. Many observers believe the endorsement shifted momentum toward Evette and influenced undecided Republican voters.
Following the results, Nancy Mace conceded the race and acknowledged the outcome. Reports indicate that she later endorsed Alan Wilson in the upcoming runoff, signaling her preference for the next phase of the Republican contest. Mace suggested that some of her policy positions and political battles may have affected voter support during the campaign. Despite the loss, she remains a prominent political figure in South Carolina and is expected to continue playing an influential role in state and national Republican politics.
Attention now turns to the June 23 Republican runoff between Pamela Evette and Alan Wilson. The winner will become the Republican nominee for governor and will advance to the general election later this year. Given South Carolina’s recent voting history, the GOP nominee is widely viewed as having a strong opportunity to win the governor’s mansion in November. The runoff is expected to focus on economic growth, conservative policy priorities, public safety, and the future direction of South Carolina’s Republican Party. Both candidates enter the next stage with strong statewide networks and significant political support.
Nancy Mace’s defeat represents one of the most notable developments of South Carolina’s 2026 primary season. While her gubernatorial ambitions have been put on hold, the race underscores the continuing importance of endorsements, voter coalitions, and campaign momentum in modern Republican politics. As Pamela Evette and Alan Wilson prepare for a highly anticipated runoff, South Carolina voters will soon decide who carries the Republican banner into the general election.
