Charleston, SC – August 18, 2025 – A new survey of likely South Carolina Republican primary voters shows Congresswoman Nancy Mace leading in the race for governor, solidifying her position as the clear frontrunner heading into 2026.
The poll, conducted August 11–12 among 600 likely GOP primary voters, shows Mace as both the best-known and best-liked candidate in the field. Eighty-three percent of Republican primary voters have heard of Mace, with a +29 net favorable rating, the highest of any candidate tested.
On the ballot, Mace now leads the five-way race with 25%, ahead of Attorney General Alan Wilson at 17%, Congressman Ralph Norman at 10%, Lt. Governor Pamela Evette at 6%, and State Senator Josh Kimbrell at 3%.
When “leaners” are included, voters who were initially undecided but indicate a current preference, Mace’s support rises to 30%, expanding her lead over Wilson (20%), Norman (12%), Evette (7%), and Kimbrell (4%).
Mace holds double-digit advantages among the most critical voting blocs for winning a statewide GOP primary:
Trump Republicans: +17 over Wilson (30%–13%)
Conservative Republicans: +12 over Wilson (28%–16%)
Base Republicans: +10 over Wilson (27%–17%)
“These results prove that our record and our plan for South Carolina is resonating with Republican voters across the state,” said Congresswoman Mace. “We’ll keep fighting every day to protect our South Carolina values, push conservative common sense policies forward, and deliver the best results. South Carolina first and always.”
Mace is best positioned to consolidate support as voters tune in. Her momentum with grassroots conservatives and strength across nearly every demographic and regional slice makes her the most likely candidate to win a Republican primary next June.
“Mace is winning where it matters: with the base, with Trump supporters, and with voters who will decide the primary. No one else is even close,” added Austin McCubbin, a senior advisor to Mace in her campaign for Governor.
The field remains wide, but the message is clear: Nancy Mace is leading the pack.
The survey was conducted by Meeting Street, a pollster with a long history of statewide races including in South Carolina. The poll has a margin of error of ±4.0%.
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