3 hours ago
Nancy Mace Launches South Carolina Gubernatorial Bid; Will "Hold The Line" Against the "Gender Cult"
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On August 4, 2025, U.S. Representative Nancy Mace, a Republican from South Carolina, formally declared her candidacy for governor at The Citadel, the military college where she broke barriers as the first woman to graduate from the Corps of Cadets in 1999. “This morning, I'm making it official. I am running to be your governor of the great state of South Carolina,” Mace stated during her announcement, setting the tone for a campaign that is expected to draw national attention.
Mace, 47, first entered Congress in 2021 and has since gained recognition as a prominent conservative voice. Her trajectory, marked by both confrontational rhetoric and moments of moderation, has made her a polarizing figure in South Carolina politics and a focal point for LGBTQ+ advocacy groups.
Mace’s recent tenure has been defined by her role in several controversial policy debates, particularly those impacting transgender rights. Earlier in 2025, she led a Republican effort to restrict restroom access in the U.S. Capitol following the election of the first transgender member of Congress, drawing sharp criticism from civil rights organizations and LGBTQ+ leaders nationwide.
LGBTQ+ advocates argue that such legislation not only stigmatizes transgender people but also signals a broader trend of state-level efforts to curtail rights and access for LGBTQ+ communities. The Human Rights Campaign and other watchdogs have highlighted the national implications of these policies, warning that gubernatorial leadership can significantly influence the trajectory of civil rights in states like South Carolina.
Mace’s approach to LGBTQ+ rights has not always been strictly conservative. She has at times urged moderation within her party, notably cautioning against extreme positions on abortion ahead of the 2022 midterms. However, her voting record and public statements on LGBTQ+ issues have consistently drawn criticism from equality organizations and progressive activists.
Mace’s political positioning has evolved with the changing tides of the national Republican Party. After criticizing former President Donald Trump in the wake of the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack, she eventually endorsed him for the 2024 presidential election, demonstrating her ability to navigate the party’s shifting factions.
Her bid for governor comes on the heels of a successful defense against a Trump-endorsed primary challenger in 2022, further solidifying her status as a political survivor. Mace’s campaign is expected to appeal to a broad conservative base while courting independent voters—an approach that may place LGBTQ+ rights and the broader culture wars at the center of the state’s 2026 gubernatorial race.
The announcement has mobilized LGBTQ+ advocacy groups across South Carolina and beyond. “We are deeply concerned about Rep. Mace’s record of supporting policies that target transgender people and limit LGBTQ+ rights,” said a spokesperson for South Carolina Equality, a statewide advocacy organization. “Her candidacy underscores the urgent need for inclusive leadership that respects the dignity and rights of all South Carolinians.” .
National organizations have echoed these sentiments, pointing to South Carolina’s ongoing legislative battles over LGBTQ+ rights, including attempts to restrict access to gender-affirming care and to curtail protections for LGBTQ+ youth in schools.
As the 2026 gubernatorial race begins in earnest, the implications for LGBTQ+ residents are substantial. The governor’s office wields significant influence over the state’s legislative agenda, including the fate of bills affecting non-discrimination protections, healthcare access, and public accommodations for LGBTQ+ individuals.
Civil rights advocates stress the importance of voter engagement and continued advocacy, noting that South Carolina ranks among the states most impacted by recent anti-LGBTQ+ legislation. As the campaign unfolds, LGBTQ+ voices and their allies are expected to play a crucial role in shaping the debate and demanding accountability from all gubernatorial candidates.
