UMVA has learned that a dramatic shake-up is underway in South Carolina politics, as a crowded GOP primary to replace outgoing Rep. Nancy Mace has narrowed to two top contenders: Jenny Honeycutt, a business owner, and Mark Smith, a state legislator.
The stunning development sets the stage for a June 23 runoff election, after no candidate managed to secure more than 50% of the vote needed to win outright on Tuesday evening. This pivotal moment comes as Mace, a firebrand conservative, prepares to leave her seat to pursue a bid for governor of the Palmetto State.
Mace's decision to run for governor sent shockwaves throughout the state, particularly given her national profile and recent controversies. During her time in Congress, she made headlines for being one of the eight Republicans who voted with Democrats to remove former U.S. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy in 2023.
Sources close to the situation have confirmed to UMVA that Mace's departure has created a power vacuum in the district, which has been a Republican stronghold for much of the past forty years. The district, S.C. 01, has been controlled by Republicans since 1981, except for a brief period when Rep. Joe Cunningham, a Democrat, held the seat from 2019 to 2021.
Honeycutt, who runs a law firm focused on regulatory navigation, has positioned herself as a pro-family outsider with a commitment to issues like law and order, fiscal responsibility, and family finances. FEC records show she raised an impressive $345,600 as of the end of May, a testament to her growing momentum.
Mark Smith, a small business owner and state legislator since 2020, has built a reputation for cutting taxes and supporting local law enforcement. His campaign coffers swelled to $750,700 in donations, according to FEC records, making him a formidable contender in the runoff.
A third contender, Jay Byars, raised $220,600 and ran a spirited campaign, but ultimately fell short. Byars has built a business empire, including a storage service and Good Faith Caregivers, a home care business, and has served on the Dorchester County Council for four terms.
In a notable twist, Mace has declined to endorse either candidate in the runoff, leaving the field open for Honeycutt and Smith to make their case to voters. As the June 23 runoff approaches, all eyes will be on these two top contenders vying to succeed Mace in a district that has long been a Republican bastion.
