'Proud Transphobe' Rep. Nancy Mace’s Campaign for SC Governor Stumbles as Myrtle Beach Speech Draws Just Eight Attendees

Rep. Nancy Mace, who recently launched her campaign for South Carolina governor, abruptly canceled a planned speech in Myrtle Beach last week after only eight people arrived to hear her speak, according to multiple news sources . The event was intended as a showcase for Mace’s campaign momentum, following her repeated claims that she is “dominating the polls” in the crowded Republican primary field .

According to local media reports, Mace arrived at the venue but decided to cancel her speech after surveying the sparse audience. She later spoke with reporters outside, reiterating her confidence in her campaign’s position, citing internal polling that showed her leading by double digits among Republican voters .

Mace’s campaign recently published the results of a poll conducted among 600 Republican voters, which reportedly showed her with a 25 percent share in a five-way contest, well ahead of her competitors . The poll also indicated that 83 percent of respondents recognized Mace’s name, a sign of her growing profile within the state GOP . Despite these favorable numbers, the Myrtle Beach incident has prompted questions about whether Mace’s popularity among voters is translating into actual grassroots support at campaign events .

Mace has positioned herself as a staunch supporter of former President Donald Trump, texting poll results to Trump and seeking his endorsement for her gubernatorial run. Trump previously endorsed Mace for her 2024 congressional re-election, and Mace reciprocated with her endorsement of his 2024 presidential campaign .

Mace’s campaign has drawn criticism from LGBTQ+ advocates due to her public opposition to transgender rights and her attacks on Delaware Democratic Rep. Sarah McBride, the first openly transgender member of Congress . In recent speeches, Mace has promised to “hold the line” against what she describes as “gender ideology,” pledging to veto state funding for colleges that support inclusive policies for transgender people and refusing to back institutions that do not “define what a woman is” .

These remarks have sparked concern among South Carolina’s LGBTQ+ organizations, who argue that such policies could further marginalize transgender students and faculty, and undermine efforts to create safe, affirming educational environments. Advocacy groups have called for greater accountability and transparency in how candidates address issues affecting LGBTQ+ communities, especially in light of rising anti-transgender rhetoric in national politics .

The Myrtle Beach event’s low turnout has led local LGBTQ+ leaders to question the level of grassroots enthusiasm for Mace’s platform. “When candidates rely on exclusionary rhetoric, it’s often communities that value diversity and inclusion who respond by disengaging,” said a spokesperson from South Carolina Equality, the state’s largest LGBTQ+ advocacy group .

Other candidates in the Republican gubernatorial field, including South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson, Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, and Rep. Ralph Norman, have not made transgender issues as central to their campaigns, though debates on gender and education continue to be a flashpoint in state politics .

As the campaign season progresses, LGBTQ+ organizations are urging voters and media outlets to scrutinize candidates’ records on equality and inclusion, emphasizing the need for policies that support all South Carolinians, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation .

With the South Carolina gubernatorial primary still months away, Rep. Nancy Mace’s campaign faces renewed scrutiny over its grassroots support and policy positions. Whether her polling advantage will translate into sustained voter engagement remains to be seen, especially as criticism mounts over her approach to LGBTQ+ issues. Local advocates and community leaders continue to call for campaigns that prioritize respect, affirmation, and equal rights for all residents of South Carolina.