Representative Nancy Mace (R-SC), a candidate for governor of South Carolina, urged her GOP primary opponent, Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, to withdraw from the race on Tuesday. Mace's comments followed an incident involving supporters of both candidates, where a volunteer associated with Evette's finance committee allegedly assaulted a supporter of Mace. The incident was captured on video and led to the arrest of the individual, Blake Kirsch, who faces charges of assault and third-degree battery in Greer.
Mace claimed that Kirsch was a staff member for Evette, a statement that Evette's campaign contested, asserting that Kirsch was merely a volunteer and had no formal ties to the campaign. An Evette spokesperson expressed disappointment over the incident and emphasized their commitment to free speech while condemning violence. Kirsch has since resigned from the finance committee and has never been compensated by the campaign.
During a press conference, Mace accused Evette of dishonesty regarding Kirsch's role and criticized her response to the incident, stating that it disqualifies her from running for office. Mace condemned political violence and alleged that Evette's campaign was engaging in violent behavior against her supporters. Mace also referenced assassination attempts against former President Donald Trump, who has endorsed Evette in her gubernatorial bid.
As the primary election approaches, Evette has maintained a lead in polling, particularly following her endorsement from Trump. Polls in South Carolina are set to close at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, with voters in line by that time still eligible to cast their ballots.
