According to a recent Winthrop University poll, Nancy Mace is the most prominent figure in South Carolina politics as she campaigns for S.C. Governor.
Nancy Mace, or any gubernatorial candidate, must navigate the newly constructed neighborhoods in Horry County to succeed in the race. Mace appears to have a keen grasp on Horry County’s role in all future contests.
Horry County is not only the largest land mass county in S.C., the county now boasts a population approaching 400,000 residents. Horry County grows by 24% annually.
Nancy Mace’s Influence in Horry County
The largest S.C. counties by population are:
- Greenville County (506,837)
- Richland County (411,592)
- Charleston County (401,438)
- Horry County (397,478)
- Spartanburg County (306,854)
Myrtle Beach, a liberal coastal city, stands in contrast to Horry County, known as one of the most conservative counties in the state.
Horry County residents connect with Nancy Mace’s conservative politics, bias towards action, and straightforward message that she brings to the community.
S.C. Attorney General Alan Wilson and S.C. Lt. Governor Pam Evette are two more candidates who are contemplating entering the race. Few Horry County residents know Evette. She has limited name recognition in the area.
Attorney Alan Wilson is loved or hated, depending on which side of the aisle residents stand on regarding his legal decisions. Wilson often finds himself in conflict as to whom he can prosecute. Two clear examples were former Speaker of the S.C. House Bobby Harrell Jr. and former Trial Lawyers’ President Alex Murdaugh.
As Wilson and Harrell employed the same (now indicted and since deceased) political consultant, Wilson was conflicted out of prosecuting the former speaker. Prosecutor David Pascoe, who was assigned the case, told MyrtleBeachSC News that he felt Wilson continually obstructed his efforts to get a conviction.
Former Speaker Harrell ultimately pled guilty to 6 criminal counts of misusing his campaign account for personal benefit. Harrell resigned from his S.C. House seat.
Wilson is also associated with the Alex Murdaugh murder convictions which were later deemed in jeopardy because of allegations against former Colleton County clerk of court Becky Hill.
Wilson’s reputation in Horry County requires explanations so that voters do not perceive him as linked to the traditional establishment in Columbia, South Carolina.
Wilson’s grasp of Horry County’s terrain and his navigation skills remain uncertain. He primarily focuses his campaign efforts on a small coastal area, focusing on cities like Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle Beach, which lack the voter numbers necessary for his victory. Wilson’s brand carries baggage and high negatives.
Should the neighborhoods of Carolina Forest, Burgess, and Longs/Wampee become separate cities, they would rank as the top three largest cities in Horry County. Nancy Mace connects well with the residents living in these conservative areas.
A recent survey conducted by Robert Cahaly, known for his dubious methods, indicated his endorsement of Evette in the upcoming election. Cahaly, a controversial figure in South Carolina, has been frequently featured in our news coverage.
Nancy Mace holds a good reputation in Horry County. Still, given Cahaly’s shady methods and influence, residents can anticipate a relentless and aggressive campaign targeting Nancy Mace.
In a non-presidential election year like 2026, Horry County holds significant sway in state-wide elections.
MyrtleBeachSC News broadcasts to our 274,000 readers regularly by sending news updates via text messages to all voters in the county who have signed up at MyrtleBeachSC.com to join our database.
