South Carolina Rep. Nancy Mace Wins Competitive Republican Primary

South Carolina Representative Nancy Mace emerged victorious in the competitive Republican primary on Tuesday, June 11, successfully fending off a challenge supported by former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. The Associated Press projected Mace's win in the Charleston-based 1st District, surpassing the majority threshold required to avoid a runoff. With 30% of the vote counted, Mace led her opponent, Catherine Templeton, with 58% to 29%, while Marine veteran Bill Young garnered 14%.

Mace's pivotal role as one of the eight House Republicans who voted to remove McCarthy as House speaker in October played a significant role in the primary. Despite facing substantial ad spending from outside groups aligned with McCarthy and Templeton, Mace received a pivotal endorsement from Donald Trump, which bolstered her campaign. Additionally, Mace managed to outraise Templeton and garnered support from the conservative Club for Growth Action.

Strategic Campaign Tactics

Prior to the primary, Mace expressed her desire for a decisive victory and aimed to send a resounding message to Washington. Her campaign office was adorned with "60-40" signs, symbolizing her aspiration for a substantial margin that would eliminate the need for a runoff. Templeton, on the other hand, downplayed McCarthy's influence in the race, expressing that the residents of the Low Country of South Carolina were not swayed by his involvement.

Implications for Other Races

McCarthy's influence extends beyond the South Carolina race, as his affiliated groups have also spent resources against GOP Reps. Bob Good of Virginia and Eli Crane of Arizona. Additionally, in South Carolina's 4th District, GOP Rep. William Timmons faces a hotly contested primary against state Rep. Adam Morgan, with Trump endorsing Timmons in the primary. Trump's influence extends beyond South Carolina, as he has backed candidates in Nevada, North Dakota, and Maine as well.

Aside from Tuesday's primary contests in South Carolina, voters in Ohio's 6th District will select a new member of Congress to replace former GOP Rep. Bill Johnson, who resigned in January. Republican state Sen. Michael Rulli is expected to secure victory, potentially bolstering the Republican majority in the House. Polls closed at 7 p.m. ET in South Carolina, 7:30 p.m. ET in Ohio, 8 p.m. ET in Maine, 9 p.m. ET in North Dakota, and 10 p.m. ET in Nevada.