South Carolina Rep. Nancy Mace emerged victorious in the Republican primary for the state’s 1st Congressional District, securing a majority of the vote and avoiding a runoff. Mace, seeking a third term representing the coastal Charleston-area seat, faced criticism and challenges from within her party, including backlash for voting to remove former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy.
Following her vote against McCarthy, Mace faced accusations of creating a toxic workplace and wore a shirt referencing 'The Scarlet Letter' to symbolize the demonization she felt. McCarthy's allies spent millions attacking Mace during the primary, portraying her main opponent, Catherine Templeton, as a McCarthy puppet.
Mace's relationship with former President Donald Trump has also been scrutinized, with her initially criticizing Trump's legacy after the Capitol attack but later receiving his endorsement in the 2022 primary. Despite Trump backing her opponent in the primary, Mace secured a significant victory with support from figures like former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley.
In another district, Republican Rep. William Timmons won his primary in the 4th Congressional District, defeating a challenge from state Rep. Adam Morgan. Timmons, endorsed by Trump, faced criticism for his alignment with party leadership but highlighted his conservative record and key endorsements from prominent figures.
Timmons, who succeeded Trey Gowdy in 2018, overcame allegations of an extramarital affair in 2022 and a subsequent divorce. He outpaced his opponent in fundraising and benefited from outside spending emphasizing his stance on border security and support from Gov. Henry McMaster.
Both Mace and Timmons join a list of GOP lawmakers who have successfully defended their seats against primary challenges this year, showcasing the dynamics within the Republican Party as they navigate internal divisions and external pressures.
