Here’s what happened.
A growing political disagreement between President Donald Trump and one of South Carolina’s best-known Republican lawmakers is drawing attention ahead of a closely watched governor’s race.
Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) is openly criticizing Trump’s recent endorsement in the South Carolina Republican gubernatorial primary, arguing that many grassroots conservatives are unhappy with the president’s decision.
The dispute comes as Republicans prepare to vote in one of the most important statewide races of the year, with several high-profile candidates competing to become the GOP nominee for governor.
Nancy Mace Says Trump Endorsement Has Not Swayed Conservative Voters
Speaking ahead of Tuesday’s primary election, Mace suggested Trump’s endorsement of South Carolina Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette has not significantly changed the direction of the race.
According to Mace, many Republican voters remain undecided despite Trump’s backing of Evette.
“It’s not going over well with the grassroots,” Mace said, arguing that the endorsement produced only a limited increase in support for her rival.
Mace predicted the contest will likely head to a runoff election because no candidate appears positioned to secure an outright majority of votes.
If that happens, she believes the race could become far more competitive.
“Once you’re in a runoff, all bets are off,” Mace said.
Growing Tensions Between Trump and Mace
The disagreement highlights the increasingly strained relationship between Trump and Mace.
While both have long appealed to conservative voters, the two Republicans have publicly disagreed on several issues in recent months.
Despite Trump’s enormous influence within the Republican Party, Mace has continued to chart her own political course and has not backed away from positions that occasionally put her at odds with the former president.
“This is a dog fight,” Mace said of the race. “We’re in it, and I’m going to fight to the end.”
Epstein Files Vote May Have Influenced Trump’s Decision
Mace also addressed one issue that may have contributed to Trump’s decision not to endorse her.
The South Carolina congresswoman has been a vocal supporter of efforts to release government records connected to convicted offender Jeffrey Epstein and his longtime associate Ghislaine Maxwell.
Mace said she understood that supporting transparency on the issue could carry political consequences.
“I knew it was on the line when I voted to release the Epstein files,” she said.
As a survivor herself, Mace argued that public access to information surrounding the Epstein investigation is too important to ignore.
She added that she would never abandon her position simply to gain a political endorsement.
Last year, Mace joined several House Republicans who pushed for legislation that would require the Department of Justice to release extensive records related to the Epstein investigation.
Supporters argued that Americans deserve greater transparency regarding one of the most controversial criminal cases in recent history.
Trump Throws Support Behind Pamela Evette
Trump announced his endorsement of Pamela Evette just days before South Carolina Republicans began casting ballots.
The endorsement was viewed as a major boost for Evette, who also has the support of outgoing Republican Gov. Henry McMaster.
Trump praised Evette’s leadership record and described her as a strong conservative who would continue advancing Republican priorities in South Carolina.
“Pam Evette is a good friend, fighter, and WINNER,” Trump wrote in his endorsement announcement.
The president also expressed confidence that Evette would continue the policies that have helped make South Carolina one of the fastest-growing states in the nation.
Crowded Republican Primary Keeps Race Competitive
The Republican field includes several well-known candidates, including:
- Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette
- Rep. Nancy Mace
- Attorney General Alan Wilson
- Rep. Ralph Norman
- Businessman Rom Reddy
With multiple candidates competing for conservative voters, political observers believe a runoff election remains a strong possibility.
Under South Carolina law, candidates must receive more than 50 percent of the vote to avoid a second round of voting.
If no candidate reaches that threshold, the top two finishers will advance to a runoff that could dramatically reshape the race.
Why This Race Matters
The South Carolina governor’s race is being closely watched by Republicans across the country because it may offer an early glimpse into how much influence endorsements still carry in crowded GOP primaries.
Trump remains the most influential figure in Republican politics, but Mace’s criticism reflects a broader debate among conservatives about whether local voters should follow national endorsements or make their decisions independently.
For now, Mace is making it clear she intends to keep fighting for every vote.
“I disagree with this endorsement,” she said. “I’m voting for myself, and I’m asking voters in South Carolina to vote for me as well.”
As primary day approaches, Republicans across the Palmetto State will decide whether Trump’s preferred candidate can secure victory—or whether the race is headed for an unpredictable runoff battle.
