Whoa! This was very unexpected.
Former Rep. Nancy Mace may have lost her bid to become South Carolina’s next governor, but she’s not stepping away from the political fight.
Just hours after suffering a crushing defeat in Tuesday’s Republican primary, Mace stunned political insiders by endorsing Attorney General Alan Wilson — a candidate she spent months attacking and one who is now facing President Donald Trump’s preferred choice in a high-stakes runoff election.
The dramatic move has added a new twist to one of the most closely watched Republican battles in the country and could complicate Trump’s efforts to help Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette secure the nomination.
Mace’s Campaign Ends In Disappointment
Mace finished fifth in the crowded Republican primary field, capturing roughly 11% of the vote.
Evette led the race with nearly 29%, while Wilson followed closely behind with just over 26%.
Because neither candidate crossed the 50% threshold required to win outright, South Carolina Republicans will return to the polls on June 23 for a runoff election that could determine the state’s next governor.
The winner will face Democrat Jermaine Johnson in November.
A Bitter Rivalry Takes An Unexpected Turn
For much of the campaign, Mace and Wilson were fierce political enemies.
Wilson publicly blasted Mace during several high-profile disputes, while Mace repeatedly criticized Wilson’s record as attorney general.
The attacks became some of the sharpest exchanges in the race.
That’s why many supporters were shocked when Mace announced she was backing Wilson after her defeat.
Speaking to supporters in Charleston, Mace revealed that the two had recently put their differences aside.
“What many of you don’t know is that Alan Wilson and I have buried the hatchet,” Mace said.
She went even further, calling Wilson the “law-and-order governor” South Carolina needs and predicting he would defeat Evette in the runoff.
The Trump Factor
Mace’s endorsement is especially noteworthy because of her complicated relationship with President Trump.
For years, Mace presented herself as one of Trump’s strongest supporters, famously describing herself as “Trump in high heels.”
But tensions between the two grew earlier this year after Mace joined several Republicans in supporting the release of additional Jeffrey Epstein-related files.
The move reportedly damaged her standing with Trump and many of his supporters.
Shortly afterward, Trump endorsed Pamela Evette rather than Mace in the governor’s race.
Many political observers viewed the endorsement as a major blow to Mace’s campaign.
Mace Says She Chose Principle Over Politics
Following her defeat, Mace defended her decision to support releasing the Epstein files.
She argued that standing by her principles was more important than protecting her political future.
In a social media post, Mace acknowledged that the vote may have cost her support but said she would make the same decision again.
The congresswoman maintained that transparency and accountability mattered more than winning an election.
Trouble Ahead For Trump’s Preferred Candidate?
While Evette finished first in the primary, she now faces a much different political landscape.
Mace’s endorsement could help Wilson consolidate support among Republicans who opposed Trump’s preferred candidate during the first round of voting.
Political strategists will be watching closely to see whether Mace’s supporters move toward Wilson in significant numbers.
If they do, the June 23 runoff could become far more competitive than many expected.
South Carolina Republicans Face A Major Decision
Both Wilson and Evette are running on conservative priorities, including tax relief and economic growth.
Wilson has also placed a strong emphasis on law-and-order policies, a message that could resonate with many Republican voters.
The candidates are scheduled to debate on June 16 before voters make their final decision one week later.
What began as a routine Republican primary has now turned into a political showdown featuring Trump’s preferred candidate, a surprising alliance between former rivals, and a runoff election that could reshape the future of South Carolina politics.
With control of the governor’s mansion at stake, Republican voters will soon decide whether Trump’s endorsement remains the deciding factor—or whether Mace’s stunning political pivot changes the outcome.