South Carolina Rep. Nancy Mace has won the Republican primary for the state’s 1st Congressional District, according to CNN projections. In a victory that will help her secure a third term representing the coastal Charleston-area seat, Mace managed to avoid a June 25 primary runoff by taking a majority of the vote on Tuesday. Despite facing criticism and accusations of creating a toxic workplace, Mace’s win comes as a major relief for the polarizing figure within her party.
Mace’s victory followed a push by former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and his allies to unseat her after she voted to oust McCarthy from the speakership in October, along with seven other Republicans. In retaliation, McCarthy’s supporters spent millions attacking Mace during the primary, with the congresswoman and her supporters framing her chief opponent, Catherine Templeton, as a McCarthy puppet. Mace’s stance on Trump has also drawn attention, with her initially criticizing Trump after the January 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol but later receiving his endorsement in her primary race against Katie Arrington, whom she defeated.
Mace’s journey into politics began in 2020 when she narrowly unseated Democratic incumbent Joe Cunningham. She comfortably secured re-election after the district was redrawn to be more favorable to the GOP, despite a legal battle over the new district lines being deemed an unconstitutional racial gerrymander. The US Supreme Court upheld the new map last month, allowing Mace to continue representing the 1st Congressional District. Throughout her political career, Mace has built relationships with prominent figures like former President Donald Trump and former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, both of whom have played roles in supporting her and influencing her campaign strategy.
In the midst of internal party conflicts and external challenges, Mace’s win in the Republican primary signals a continued trajectory for the congresswoman in her political career. With her evolving views on key issues, endorsements from influential figures, and the ability to navigate complex political landscapes, Mace’s victory in South Carolina’s 1st Congressional District primary highlights her resilience and adaptability as a politician. As she looks ahead to the upcoming general election and seeks to secure her third term in office, Mace’s ability to connect with voters and respond to criticism will play a crucial role in shaping her future in Washington.
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