Outside Groups inject Millions into GOP Primary against Mace
The competitive GOP primary for Charleston’s Congressional seat has witnessed an influx of independent funding, surpassing regular expenditures. This comes as incumbent Representative Nancy Mace gears up to face off against currently endorsed Republican candidates. The trend is not alien to these primaries, with a similar event happening two years ago when Mace emerged victorious over a Trump-supported candidate.
Independent Funding Fuels Race
A month before the June 11 primary, outside conservative groups have already funneled nearly $3 million into the 1st Congressional District. The funding aims to influence the race, which sees Mace competing with fellow GOP members. Six outside entities have committed their money, influence, resources, and messaging to the race, primarily focusing on Mace and her main opponent, Catherine Templeton.
Interestingly, these groups have not spent any money to elevate or suppress Bill Young-the third GOP contender. The surge of independent funding suggests the imminent battle will be largely influenced by these outside sources. Political experts believe that the closeness of the race may have prompted such unprecedented funding.
Templeton and Mace in the Spotlight
Winning for Women Action Fund, an organization committed to electing GOP women that contributed nearly $500,000 to Mace’s campaign in 2022, now supports Templeton. The group’s executive director has hinted that Mace’s unpredictable nature triggered the change of allegiance. The funding aims to emphasize Templeton’s conservative credentials and her ability to secure our borders and curb inflation. However, Mace disputes these claims, arguing that Templeton is basing her campaign on falsehoods.
In contrast, Mace welcomes this outside spending as a validation of her campaign approach. The incumbent Representative maintains her outsider status and reaffirms that she will continue fighting against what she calls the establishment. According to her, the financial contribution coming from the Winning for Women is establishment money from D.C and from Kevin McCarthy, the previous House Speaker she voted against last year.
Impact of Funding on the Race
The inflow of outside money signals a growing interest in the race. Templeton, in explaining the extraordinary interest in the race, blames Mace’s destructive actions as an elected official.
Surprisingly, at the heart of the spending frenzy is South Carolina Patriots PAC, a two-month-old super PAC that has spent nearly $1.1 million on negative campaigns against Mace. However, her detractors are not the only contributors. Club for Growth Action, a consistent supporter of Mace, has spent an estimated $480,000 on campaigns favouring her.
The aggressive funding points to a competitive race that has attracted the attention of deep-pocketed outsiders. The Republican primary, scheduled for June 11, will likely witness additional funding as the race heats up. Regardless, the committed candidates will continue engaging their supporters and vouching for the change they promise to bring aboard.
