rights
Nancy Mace & Sarah McBride show that the biggest fights are still to come
By Faefyx Collington at LGBTQ Nation
· June 15, 2026
· 1 min read
Noted anti-trans Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) lost the Republican primary for South Carolina governor in a truly decisive defeat, coming in fifth place. But the pain and policy that she has brought with her rhetoric still remains and can’t be expected to go out the door with her when she leaves Congress i
Key takeaway Nancy Mace (R-SC) lost the Republican primary for South Carolina governor in a truly decisive defeat, coming in fifth place.
Why this matters
The decisive defeat of Rep. Nancy Mace in the Republican primary for South Carolina governor highlights the ongoing challenges for trans rights in the US. Despite Mace's loss, her anti-trans rhetoric and policies remain a concern, and it is crucial for advocates to continue fighting for restoration and improvement of trans rights. The fact that Mace's party did not criticize her anti-trans stance, but rather her ethics and behavior, suggests that the platform remains acceptable within the party. This is particularly concerning given the importance of governor's races this year for trans rights. The criticism Mace faced from former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and South Carolina's Attorney General Alan Wilson focused on her character, rather than her anti-trans views, demonstrating a willingness to tolerate such views within the party. As such, the LGBTQ+ community must remain vigilant and continue to push for protections and policies that support trans individuals, particularly at the state level where laws and policies can vary significantly.
About this story
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Category: rights ·
Published: June 15, 2026 ·
Source: LGBTQ Nation ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Noted anti-trans Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) lost the Republican primary for South Carolina governor in a truly decisive defeat, coming in fifth place. But the pain and policy that she has brought with her rhetoric still remains and can’t be expected to go out the door with her when she leaves Congress i
When was this published? This article was first published on June 15, 2026 by LGBTQ Nation and curated for LGBTQ News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Faefyx Collington at LGBTQ Nation. To learn more about how LGBTQ News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more rights coverage from LGBTQ News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .