Republican state Rep. Mark Smith has announced he will run to succeed U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace in South Carolina’s 1st Congressional District.
Mace is vacating the seat to run for South Carolina Governor.
Meanwhile, Smith is currently serving his third term representing parts of Mount Pleasant, Daniel Island, the Cainhoy Peninsula, Hanahan and Goose Creek.
Smith also served on the Mount Pleasant Town Council and owns a chain of funeral homes in six different locations across the state.
Currently, Smith is one of two Republican candidates, the other being Jack Ellison, who have filed with the federal elections commission, according to The State.
Three Democrats are also vying for the House seat, including Robert Lee Beers III, William “Mac” Deford, and South Carolina Democratic Party Second Vice Chair Mayra Rivera-Vazquez of Bluffton.
Official candidate filing with the South Carolina Election Commission does not open until March 2026.
Smith is a local businessman and employer, and as a lawmaker helped pass tax cuts for South Carolina families, according to his campaign website.
“I grew up in Bamberg and built a successful business, standing on the sacrifice of those who came before me,” Smith said. “I’ve signed the front of a paycheck, created jobs, and helped families through their toughest moments.”
Smith is running on an America first platform, including securing the border, stopping the what he calls the deep state, implementing tax cuts, fighting crime, lowering energy costs, paying down America’s debt, and protecting Constitutional rights.
Smith is also running in alignment with President Donald Trump, according to a two-minute campaign video posted to X.
“In South Carolina’s 1st District, we need a proven conservative leader who will fight for President Trump’s America First agenda and deliver results — not drama,” Smith wrote.
“The Lowcountry needs a fighter who will stand with President Trump and put South Carolina first. That’s exactly what I’ll do in Washington.”
