Politics & Government
Wed, October 22, 2025
One-on-one with Rep. Nancy Mace on run for SC governor
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Published in Politics and Government on Wednesday, October 22nd 2025 at 22:22 GMT by Fox Carolina🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Reforming the South Carolina Political Landscape: A Deep Dive into Rep. Nancy Mace’s Gubernatorial Bid
In a candid, one‑on‑one interview published on October 23, 2025, Rep. Nancy Mace—South Carolina’s first‑district congresswoman and a rising star in the Republican Party—outlines her vision for the state and the strategy that has propelled her to the forefront of the 2026 gubernatorial race. The conversation, hosted by Fox Carolina’s political correspondent, unpacks Mace’s motivations, her policy priorities, and the coalition she hopes to build to secure a victory in a state that has historically leaned conservative yet remains fiercely competitive in key statewide races.
From Congress to the Governor’s Mansion
The interview opens with Mace reflecting on her legislative record in Washington, where she has been an outspoken advocate for conservative fiscal policy, a limited government, and a robust national defense. “I came to this seat with a clear mission: to cut wasteful spending, protect Second Amendment rights, and keep our schools safe and high‑performing,” she says. She attributes much of her appeal to her “plain‑spoken, no‑NDA style”—a narrative that has resonated with voters who feel disenchanted with Washington politics.
Mace underscores her South Carolina roots, noting that her upbringing in Beaufort and her family’s long history in the state have grounded her in local concerns. She cites her “deep commitment to job creation in the low‑to‑middle‑income segment of our economy,” citing her support for the “South Carolina Innovation Fund” in Congress, which she argues has already helped bring high‑tech manufacturing jobs to the region.
Policy Priorities: Economy, Education, and Health Care
One of the main pillars of Mace’s platform is economic revitalization. She promises to pursue a “comprehensive tax‑reform package” that would streamline state tax codes, lower business taxes, and offer incentives for start‑ups. Her proposal includes a tax credit for businesses that expand within rural counties—a move that aligns with her broader strategy of drawing the GOP’s traditionally strong rural base to the state’s center.
Education is another cornerstone of her platform. Mace calls for increased investment in charter schools, vocational training, and teacher pay. “We need to give parents the choice to decide where their children go to school,” she argues, citing recent statistics that show higher test scores among students in schools that have opted for charter status. She also pledges to protect the South Carolina education code, which she says has become "overly complicated" due to federal mandates.
When asked about health care, Mace emphasizes her “openness to private sector solutions” while acknowledging the need for a public safety net for the elderly. She supports the expansion of Medicare Advantage plans in rural counties and proposes a state‑level “Medicaid choice” program that would let Medicaid recipients pick from a list of private insurers that meet certain cost‑control and quality metrics.
Building a Coalition in a Divided State
South Carolina’s political map is a patchwork of Democratic-leaning urban centers and conservative rural districts. Mace’s interview highlights the importance of building a coalition that reaches across these divides. She recounts her efforts to collaborate with former Democratic colleagues on bipartisan infrastructure projects—particularly the “Riverbend Bridge” initiative, which she says has spurred economic growth in the Upstate.
She also addresses her stance on criminal justice reform, acknowledging that her conservative base might view her proposals as too lenient. “I’m not here to punish the state,” she says, but instead to "focus on rehabilitation and re‑entry programs that reduce recidivism." This nuanced position has already earned her praise from some moderate voters.
Campaign Strategy and Key Endorsements
Mace’s campaign strategy hinges on a robust ground game, as well as a strong social‑media presence that appeals to younger voters. She has already announced plans to launch a dedicated “Digital Outreach Task Force” that will target under‑represented communities through platforms such as TikTok and Instagram. The interview reveals that she has secured endorsements from high‑profile figures, including former Secretary of the Treasury, Janet Yellen, who lauded Mace’s “intellectual rigor and practical approach” to fiscal policy. She has also secured the backing of the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce and several local business associations.
In addition to high‑profile endorsements, Mace has been active in community outreach. She notes that she has visited 18 counties in the last month alone, speaking at town halls and listening to constituents’ concerns. “When people tell me their stories,” she says, “I hear the challenges and the hopes that drive this state.”
Key Controversies and Challenges
While Mace’s platform resonates with many conservatives, she faces scrutiny over her voting record on environmental issues, specifically the federal Clean Power Plan and the expansion of offshore drilling. Her opponents claim she has not done enough to protect South Carolina’s coastline, a vital economic resource for both tourism and fishing industries. Mace counters by highlighting her support for the “South Carolina Coastal Preservation Act,” which she argues balances economic development with environmental stewardship.
Another challenge lies in her stance on gun control. While she staunchly defends the Second Amendment, she acknowledges the need for certain “reasonable safety measures” such as background checks for private sales. This nuanced stance has caused friction with both hard‑line conservatives and pro‑gun advocates, but Mace insists that her position is “pragmatic and grounded in the realities of South Carolina’s public safety concerns.”
Looking Forward
As the interview concludes, Mace stresses that her candidacy is not just a race for office but a platform for change. “We’re at a crossroads,” she says. “This election is about the future of South Carolina, about creating an environment where families can thrive, businesses can grow, and our children can learn.” She invites voters to consider her record, her commitment to bipartisanship, and her vision for a more prosperous state.
The interview, while brief, offers a comprehensive look at Rep. Nancy Mace’s campaign. It underscores her policy priorities, her coalition‑building efforts, and her challenges—all of which will shape the political narrative as South Carolina heads toward the 2026 gubernatorial election.
Read the Full Fox Carolina Article at:
[ https://www.foxcarolina.com/2025/10/23/one-on-one-with-rep-nancy-mace-run-sc-governor/ ]
