While US Representative Nancy Mace (R-SC) runs for governor in 2026, Charleston County Councilwoman Jenny Costa Honeycutt has entered a competitive Republican race to replace Mace and represent the state’s 1st Congressional District.
Other candidates running for the Republican nomination include state Rep. Mark Smith, retired Air Force pilot Alex Pelbath, former physician Sam McCown, Dorchester County Councilman Jay Byars, Beaufort County Councilman Logan Cunningham, and veteran Justin Myers.
In her campaign kickoff video (below), the self-described “unapologetic conservative” Costa Honeycutt said: “I will be a champion for the America First agenda, just like I have done in local office.” She went on: “There are plenty of ridiculous politicians in D.C., and what we really need are people who are serious, not just out for clickbait.”
Mace, who is known for performing public relations stunts such as walking the halls of Congress wearing a white shirt with a large “A” on the front (to protest “being demonized for my vote and for my voice”), is being trolled on social media this week for claiming credit for “securing the largest infrastructure grant in state history.”
When Mace voted against President Biden’s infrastructure package, which provided the cash in question, she referred to it as a “socialist wish list” and a “fiasco.” So far, her candidacy has weathered criticism well, and she remains the favorite in the governor’s race.
