Former Trump administration official endorses SC’s Nancy Mace for 2022 reelection
Former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley on Monday endorsed Republican Congresswoman Nancy Mace’s reelection months ahead of the GOP primary, even as the former president courts a challenger to run against the freshman House member.
“Nancy is the conservative voice the Lowcountry needs in Washington,” Haley said Monday in a statement endorsing Mace. “She’s a fighter who stands up to Biden’s reckless spending, punches back against lawless lockdowns and mandates, and is strong on border security.”
Mace, who is in her first term after unseating Democrat Joe Cunningham in 2020, is facing four challengers — Thomas Allen, Keith Blandford, Ingrid Centurion and Lynz Piper-Loomis — in the GOP primary. Many of those challengers have criticized Mace for speaking out against former President Donald Trump.
Three Democrats — Annie Andrews, Rebecca Niess Cingolani and Timothy Lewis — also are seeking the seat.
Mace was critical of Trump after the riot and voted to hold Steve Bannon, a former White House aide, in contempt of Congress for not appearing in front of the Jan. 6 committee.
In response, Trump has called for someone to primary Mace.
Unlike in the 7th District race where Republicans are hoping to unseat Rep. Tom Rice, R-Myrtle Beach, Trump has not made an endorsement in the 1st District.
Haley, the former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations under Trump and a potential 2024 presidential candidate, announced her endorsement through her Stand for America political action committee.
Like Mace, Haley has found herself the target of Trump’s criticism after she criticized him following the Jan. 6 riot, saying the he let the country down.
Last week, Haley visited the State House to talk to Republican House leaders about how she can helpful in the 2022 elections, when the entire House and the governor are up for reelection.
This is the second time Haley has endorsed Mace. She first endorsed Mace leading up to the 2020 election after the primary.
“Ambassador Haley is a great American. And like she did as governor, I’m working hard every day for the people of South Carolina and the Lowcountry,” Mace said. “Her friendship and support means the world to me.”
This story was originally published February 7, 2022 at 12:07 PM with the headline "Former Trump administration official endorses SC’s Nancy Mace for 2022 reelection."
