Mace campaign calls on primary challenger Catherine Templeton to drop out of SC-01 race

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD)- Rep. Nancy Mace’s reelection campaign is calling on one of her primary challengers, Catherine Templeton, to drop out of the South Carolina First Congressional District race.

This comes as former President Donald Trump threw his support behind the congresswoman over the weekend, calling her a “strong, conservative voice” for South Carolina.

On Wednesday, Mace’s campaign manager John Mason Long said Trump’s endorsement signals that the campaign is “stronger than ever” and urged Republicans to unite behind her.

“This endorsement is a testament to Nancy Mace’s hard work and dedication to putting the Lowcountry first,” said Long. “Rather than waste precious resources with a circular firing squad meant to weaken Mace for the general election, we need to unite behind Congresswoman Mace to take on the millions of dollars the DC democrats will use to prop up her opponent in November.”

“It’s time for Templeton to step aside and support the only candidate supported by our party’s leader and the only candidate who can win in November. To do otherwise would be to oppose the direction our party leader, Donald Trump, has set for us,” he continued.

Templeton’s campaign responded in a statement to News 2, calling the ask an “odd and somewhat feeble attempt to attract attention.”

“We’re going to let the voters decide on June 11th,” campaign manager Chet Martin said.

Mace, who is seeking a third term in Washington, has a complicated relationship with the former president. She has been critical of him in the past, specifically his handling of the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot, and he endorsed her primary opponent, Katie Arrington, in 2022.

But in January, Mace announced she would back Trump for the Republican presidential nomination, snubbing former S.C. Gov. Nikki Haley who she campaigned with during her 2022 reelection bid.

Trump’s endorsement of Mace in this year’s contest is considered a monumental get as both candidates were pushing for his support and stayed close to him in the weeks leading up to South Carolina’s GOP primary.

One complicating factor, however, could be that Haley was the one who performed better in the primary in several counties that Mace represents, including Charleston and Beaufort.

The competitive race will likely be closely watched as Republicans fight to keep their slim majority in the House.