The Republicans hold a razor-thin majority in Congress. Any change could flip the power back to Democrats.
That’s why Congress took a strange turn when a top House Rep. suddenly announced retirement.
South Carolina GOP Representative Nancy Mace Launches 2026 Gubernatorial Campaign
South Carolina Republican Rep. Nancy Mace formally declared her candidacy for the state’s 2026 gubernatorial election on Monday. Mace unveiled her widely anticipated campaign through a dedicated website titled “Nancy Mace for Governor.” The site features a video montage of various media clips, including a statement from President Trump praising her tenacity, noting that “when she sets her sight on something, she’s tough.”
On Sunday night, Mace teased a significant announcement for Monday via social media, all but confirming her gubernatorial bid. She joins a packed Republican primary race to replace Gov. Henry McMaster, who is barred from seeking re-election due to term limits. Other contenders include Rep. Ralph Norman, state Attorney General Alan Wilson, Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, and state Sen. Josh Kimbrell.
Wilson has secured endorsements from multiple sheriffs, while former Gov. Nikki Haley has publicly backed Norman. No Democratic candidates have yet entered the race. South Carolina has not elected a Democratic governor since 2003.
In her campaign video, Mace highlighted her historic achievement as the first woman to graduate from The Citadel Military College, stating it is why she “will not be bullied into silence.” Mace is slated to make her official in-person announcement Monday morning at a private event held at The Citadel’s Capers Hall Courtyard, as reported by local news outlet WCSC.
Democrats Fight for Relevance, GOP Aims to Solidify Control In 2026
The 2026 midterm elections are shaping up to be a critical battleground, with Democrats facing an uphill struggle to regain political footing and Republicans seeking to strengthen their grip on Washington, D.C. Recent analyses suggest the Democratic Party is grappling with declining influence in key states, while the GOP is leveraging its current momentum to secure long-term dominance.
Democrats are contending with a challenging political landscape. After significant losses in recent elections, including control of Congress and several statehouses, the party is struggling to reconnect with voters. Political analysts note that internal divisions over policy priorities—ranging from progressive initiatives to moderate economic plans—have weakened their ability to present a unified front. In states like South Carolina, there’s no Democratic gubernatorial candidate that has yet to emerge.
The GOP, by contrast, is capitalizing on its recent electoral successes. With control of the House and Senate, Republicans are pushing an agenda focused on economic deregulation, border security, and energy independence. The crowded South Carolina GOP primary, featuring high-profile figures like Nancy Mace and Ralph Norman, reflects the party’s deep bench and competitive spirit. This strength extends nationally, with Republicans eyeing key Senate and House races to expand their majorities.
Democrats are pinning their hopes on mobilizing younger voters and addressing issues like climate change and healthcare access. However, their efforts are hampered by voter fatigue and a lack of standout candidates in several races. In contrast, Republican candidates are drawing on endorsements from prominent figures like President Trump and former Gov. Nikki Haley to energize their base.
The 2026 midterms also highlight the GOP’s advantage in state-level politics. With 36 gubernatorial races and numerous state legislative elections on the horizon, Republicans currently hold 27 governorships compared to Democrats’ 23. This imbalance gives the GOP significant influence over redistricting and policy implementation, further complicating Democratic efforts to regain ground.
For Democrats, the midterms represent a last-ditch effort to reassert relevance. Failure to make gains could cement their status as a weakened opposition, particularly in conservative strongholds like South Carolina. For Republicans, the elections offer a chance to lock in long-term control of both state and federal governments, setting the stage for the 2028 presidential race.
🚨 BREAKING: The Supreme Court is considering BANNING "Racially-Based" Congressional District maps, as it violates the Civil Rights laws of the USA.
This would cause Democrats to LOSE 10-25 House seats in 2026 midterm elections.
DO YOU SUPPORT SCOTUS OVERTURNING THIS CIVIL… pic.twitter.com/nFU39W3lIA
— Publius (@OcrazioCornPop) August 2, 2025
