Jul 29
Nancy Mace Signals Run for South Carolina State Office, Raising Concerns Among Queer Advocates
READ TIME: 3 MIN.
U.S. Representative Nancy Mace, a Republican representing South Carolina’s 1st congressional district since 2021, has publicly stated she is “definitely leaning” toward running for statewide office, including a possible bid for governor. Speaking with reporters over the weekend, Mace explained that a formal decision would be made in the coming days, citing state tax policies, immigration, and what she described as “gender-bending ideology” in schools among her primary concerns for entering the race .
Mace has previously made headlines as a trailblazer in state politics: she was the first woman to graduate from The Citadel’s Corps of Cadets, later becoming the first Republican woman elected to the U.S. House from South Carolina. Her career has included work on a variety of legislative issues, including military affairs, cybersecurity, and agricultural policy .
In her recent comments, Mace explicitly referenced “gender-bending ideology” in South Carolina schools, a phrase that has drawn strong criticism from LGBTQ+ organizations and advocates. Such rhetoric, they argue, is part of a broader pattern of anti-transgender and anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment that has been on the rise in the state and nationally. Mace stated, “We’re definitely leaning towards running for statewide office in South Carolina for governor,” adding that the state’s officials have “turned a blind eye” to issues such as immigration and policies affecting women and children .
In response, South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson refuted Mace’s criticisms and defended his record on protecting children, calling Mace’s accusations “a distraction from her liberal voting record” .
LGBTQ+ news outlets and advocacy groups have been quick to highlight Mace’s statements as indicative of a platform that may target transgender youth and broader LGBTQ+ rights in education and public life. Coverage in LGBTQ+ media has described her positions as “transphobic,” warning that a Mace governorship could mean further legislative efforts to restrict LGBTQ+ rights in the state .
Mace’s legislative record has included support for bills focused on issues such as revenge porn and deepfake predators, as well as opposition to certain immigration policies. Despite her condemnation of former President Trump’s actions on January 6, 2021, she later endorsed him for president in 2024, reflecting a complex relationship with the far-right elements of her party .
Her time in Congress has also been marked by controversial statements and votes regarding LGBTQ+ rights. While Mace has sometimes positioned herself as a moderate, LGBTQ+ and civil rights organizations have frequently criticized her for supporting or enabling policies that undermine protections for transgender people and other LGBTQ+ groups .
LGBTQ+ advocates in South Carolina have expressed alarm at Mace’s potential candidacy for governor or other statewide office, pointing to the real impact that such leadership could have on vulnerable communities. “We have seen a wave of anti-LGBTQ+ bills in state legislatures across the country, and South Carolina is no exception,” said a spokesperson for a state LGBTQ+ advocacy group. “A gubernatorial candidate running on a platform that singles out transgender youth or promotes discriminatory policies is deeply concerning for our community and for the future of equality in South Carolina” .
Mace has not yet clarified the details of her proposed policies, but her recent remarks have set the stage for a contentious race, with LGBTQ+ rights and inclusion likely to be a major topic of debate. As South Carolina prepares for its next statewide election cycle, advocates are mobilizing to ensure the voices of LGBTQ+ residents are heard, and that candidates are held accountable for their positions on equality and civil rights.
Nancy Mace is expected to formally announce her decision regarding a statewide run in the coming days. In the meantime, LGBTQ+ organizations are calling for vigilance and solidarity, emphasizing the need for inclusive leadership and policy at every level of government. As the political landscape in South Carolina evolves, the outcome of this anticipated campaign could have lasting consequences for LGBTQ+ rights and visibility within the state and beyond.
