Mace and Wilson serve as top Republican candidates for SC Governor in 2026

Exclusive – When she launched a campaign for South Carolina governor, Republicans Rep. Nancy Mace Targeting what she called a “weak leader”.

Mace’s statement, first reported by Fox News Digital on Monday, appears to be a subtle dig from the state’s Republican leader, including longtime South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson, a top rival for the Republican governor nomination.

Mays and Wilson are considered leaders in the crowded Republican elementary school field in 2026, and he is the limited term Republican Governor Henry McMaster, who Palmetto State’s The longest-appointed governor.

“Mayce has been roaring and roaring for the past six months involving running for governor without really saying it,” Wilson said in an exclusive interview with Fox News numbers hours after Mays announced his candidacy.

Republican Firebrand Nancy Mace jumps into crowded South Carolina governor’s game

“I’m going to fight for the end, and I’m going to take the South Carolina attorney general because he’s blind to women and children and the country for many reasons. He might force me to do that.”

In a bombshell speech on the floor of a U.S. house in February, Mace claimed that Wilson ignored evidence of sexual assault on her and other women. During the hour-long speech, Mays accused four men, including her ex-wife, of sexual crimes and said she was one of the victims.

House Freedom Caucus Ralph Norman announces bid to South Carolina governor

Wilson strongly denied Mays’ allegations, saying at the time: “There was never a charge to me – there was no one in my office.”

Wilson argued in a recent statement to Fox News: “Mayce is a liar and he will do everything he can to distract her free voting record. I have served our country and are committed to protecting the civilian career of children.”

“For me, she thought more about me than I thought. I’ve been busy doing my job in South Carolina and I really didn’t pay much attention to this person,” Wilson said Monday.

“I’m not competing with anyone,” he added. “I’m running for people in South Carolina.”

Wilson said when he ran for governor, he “tryed to convey an exciting message, a message of desire, and I try to prove to the people of South Carolina that I have a record of achievement, a record of success, and I will be the stable hand of South Carolina.”

In the case where Mace seems to be a sting, he added: “I believe you can be an agent of change and reform in our country without being an agent of chaos.”

Wilson showed what he called “a record of true achievement, supporting and defending South Carolina’s crime victims, and pursuing public officials who committed corruption.”

Wilson pointed to a frequent concern, saying, “When it comes to women and girls in the field of sports, I am the only candidate in the court that defends South Carolina’s law.”

Mace started her gubernatorial campaign at an event at Charleston’s Citadel, a South Carolina military academy and alma mater. Mace became the first female graduate of the Castle Craft Corps.

But Wilson highlighted his long military career in his Fox News digital interview.

“The Governor of South Carolina is the commander-in-chief of the South Carolina National Guard,” he noted. “I have been in the military for nearly 30 years. I have been in the fight in Iraq. I am currently a colonel of the National Guard. I am the only person with real combat experience in this game.”

Wilson pointed to his support in law enforcement, saying he has been recognized by 26 sheriffs across the state, including all five of the low-name Mays Congress District in South Carolina.

Wilson said his top priority as governor will “focus on reforming our education system, investing in our infrastructure, getting rid of fraud, waste and abuse, eliminating income taxes, and being more responsible to the people of South Carolina.”

Mace and Wilson face to face with Gov. Pamela Evette, Rep. Ralph Norman and State Sen. Josh Kimbrell.

president Donald Trump Stay neutral in the primary. Trump’s control over the Republican Party, thanks to his 2024 White House victory, is stronger than ever, and his recognition in the Republican nomination game is very influential.

When asked if she could land on the president’s approval, Mays recently told Fox News digital numbers, “If I win his support, I’ll work very hard.”

In her campaign release video, Mays used clips in her speech that Trump called her a “fighter”, adding: “When she turned her eyes to something, she was tough.”

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But Wilson stressed that he “has supported President Trump as attorney general since his first term…I have defended the president in court. I have defended his agenda in court. I have a good relationship with the president.”

“I intend to win his recognition and get support in the way he gets me. I’ve backed down over the last eight to nine years,” Wilson added.