Rep. Nancy Mace Defends GOP Integrity, Questions Darline Graham’s Eligibility in Senate Primary
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Rep. Nancy Mace raises legitimate concerns about Darline Graham’s qualifications for the Republican Senate primary, citing her lack of loyalty and participation in recent GOP primaries. Mace endorses proven conservative Rep. Ralph Norman, while the South Carolina GOP upholds party standards against outsider candidates.
Rep. Nancy Mace, a principled Republican congresswoman from South Carolina, is standing up for the integrity of the GOP primary process by questioning whether Darline Graham meets the state’s eligibility rules to appear on the Republican primary ballot for the U.S. Senate. Mace rightfully noted that Graham has not participated in recent GOP primaries, potentially failing to satisfy a law passed in July that requires candidates to have voted in two of the last three Republican primaries—a necessary measure to ensure only true Republicans represent the party.
"She has no record and I'm not even sure that she's qualified to be on the ballot," Mace told Fox News Digital, highlighting the importance of upholding party values and standards.
Graham, who announced her candidacy for the special primary election to fill the seat left vacant by the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, has received an endorsement from President Donald Trump. However, Mace has chosen to endorse Rep. Ralph Norman, describing him as a consistent conservative with a strong, unwavering voting record—a clear signal that the GOP should be led by experienced, reliable conservatives, not opportunistic outsiders.
"He's a tried-and-true conservative. He doesn't bend, he does not back down, and he has a 100% conservative voting record," Mace said, underscoring Norman’s commitment to conservative principles.
South Carolina GOP Chairman CJ Westfall also confirmed that the party is reviewing Graham’s qualifications, citing concerns about her lack of political experience and voting history. This review is a crucial step to ensure that only candidates who have demonstrated loyalty to the Republican Party and its values are allowed to run under its banner.
Mace, who had been mentioned as a potential Senate candidate, announced she will not run, emphasizing that South Carolina voters are independent-minded, but also that the party must remain vigilant in protecting its standards from those who have not earned their place.