COLUMBIA, S.C. — In South Carolina, Republican U.S. Representative Nancy Mace is working to solidify her grip on her congressional seat in a state known for its long-serving representatives.
Mace has faced scrutiny regarding her outspoken nature and tendency to defy the norms set by her party’s establishment, raising questions about whether these traits could undermine her position. However, the coastal 1st District has largely supported her thus far.
In 2020, Mace reclaimed the seat for Republicans after a notable defeat of Democratic incumbent Joe Cunningham. She successfully overcame a GOP opponent backed by former President Donald Trump in 2022, and with Trump’s endorsement, she easily won her 2024 primary without the need for a runoff.
The South Carolina General Assembly also aided Mace by redrawing district lines, transferring traditional Democratic areas surrounding Charleston to the state’s only majority-minority district. This strategic move was beneficial, as Mace garnered over 56% of the vote with the new map in 2022, while she had secured less than 51% in the previous layout.
As voting approaches its conclusion on Tuesday, Mace’s challenger is Michael Moore, a businessman and former CEO of the International African American Museum. Moore’s campaign has struggled to find traction, and Mace has scarcely recognized his candidacy.
Moore criticizes Mace for prioritizing national issues and personal projects, such as the legalization of marijuana, over the specific needs of her district. Recently, she was part of a group of hard-right Republicans that removed former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy.
Mace asserts that her actions reflect her commitment to representing her diverse district, which includes historic Charleston neighborhoods along with sprawling retirement communities in Beaufort. If she secures a victory, Mace could establish herself as a lasting presence in South Carolina’s U.S. congressional delegation, akin to fellow veteran politicians like Jim Clyburn, a Democrat running for a 17th term, and Republican Joe Wilson, who is pursuing a 12th term.
Wilson faces Democrat David Robinson II in the 2nd District, which encompasses the suburbs around Columbia and extends toward Aiken. Robinson, a U.S. Army veteran, became passionate about advocacy after his son went missing in Arizona’s deserts.
Wilson is a significant figure on the House Foreign Affairs Committee and holds seniority on the House Armed Services Committee. He is notably remembered for vocally confronting President Barack Obama during a 2009 address regarding healthcare.
Jim Clyburn has represented South Carolina’s 6th District since its boundaries were drawn in 1992 with a focus on minority voters. His Republican challenger this cycle is attorney Duke Buckner, in this diverse district that includes parts surrounding Charleston, Beaufort, and Columbia.
Clyburn is influential in House Democratic leadership and famously endorsed President Biden ahead of the pivotal 2020 South Carolina primary, aiding in Biden’s ascension.
In the 4th District, which has consistently sent Republicans to Washington since 1992, Democrat Kathryn Harvey is making strides. Harvey, a nonprofit marketing expert, is gaining visibility and has raised considerable funds while incumbent U.S. Rep. William Timmons concentrates on races he perceives as more competitive outside the state.
Jeff Duncan, a Republican representative in the 3rd District, has opted not to pursue an eighth term, paving the way for a fresh face in South Carolina’s U.S. delegation. If Sheri Biggs, a nurse practitioner and Air National Guard officer, wins, she will become just the second Republican woman from the state to enter Congress alongside Mace.
Competing against her are Byron Best, a Democratic paint store manager from Greenwood, and Michael Bedenbaugh of the Alliance Party. The 3rd District, located in the state’s northwest corner, includes several smaller towns and communities.
In the 7th District, U.S. Rep. Russel Fry is seeking re-election after taking out an incumbent Republican who voted for Trump’s impeachment. Fry’s opponent, educator Mal Hyman, identifies as an independent Democrat.
Lastly, in the 5th District, Republican Ralph Norman is vying for his fourth full term. This district stretches from Rock Hill, near Charlotte, North Carolina, down to Sumter, and Norman faces Democrat Evangeline Hundley, who also shares a background in real estate and construction.