Arr, Rep. Nancy Mace's ex-first mate be reckonin' to challenge her in the South Carolina Republican waters. Yo ho ho!
2024-01-18
Arrr! Me matey, Dan Hanlon, a former scallywag of the great President Trump, be thinkin' of takin' on his former captain, Rep. Nancy Mace, R-SC, in a primary campaign. Blow me down! The seas be gettin' stormy in the political waters!
Rep. Nancy Mace, a Republican from South Carolina, may face a primary challenge from her former chief of staff, Dan Hanlon. Hanlon, who recently left Mace's office, has been meeting with potential donors and staffers to gauge support for a potential campaign against his former boss. According to anonymous Republicans, Hanlon has been pleased with the positive reception of his idea and believes there is a demand for an alternative to Mace. There is speculation that some of Mace's other staffers may join Hanlon's campaign if he decides to run.Mace has attracted attention within her own party for voting to oust former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy along with seven other Republicans. Hanlon, who previously served in the Trump administration, must make a filing decision before the March 30 deadline.
Primary challenges are not uncommon, but it is unusual for a candidate to be challenged by someone with such insider knowledge. Hanlon's previous role as Mace's chief of staff gives him unique insight into her campaign and potential vulnerabilities.
In October, McCarthy mentioned Hanlon in an interview after being ousted from the speakership, stating that he had called Hanlon to ask about any unkept promises. Hanlon confirmed that McCarthy had indeed kept his word. Hanlon left Mace's office in early December, and there were reportedly tensions when he returned to hand in his keys, with Mace's incoming chief of staff calling the Capitol Police.
The potential primary challenge adds an interesting dynamic to the upcoming election in South Carolina and will be closely watched by political observers.