Austin McCubbin, a top strategist for Rep. Nancy Mace’s (R-SC) gubernatorial campaign, resigned Monday, citing ideological disagreements and concerns about loyalty within the GOP.
McCubbin, who led President Trump’s 2024 campaign operations in South Carolina, criticized Mace for aligning with Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul (R) and Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY), describing their faction as divergent from the MAGA movement.
“Nancy Mace has yet again decided to turn her back on MAGA to hug the political cactus that is the Rand Paul + Thomas Massie wing of the Party,” McCubbin wrote on X, emphasizing his personal loyalty to the president.
The resignation highlights ongoing factional tensions within the Republican Party between Trump-aligned operatives and libertarian-leaning conservatives.
The Washington Post has continuously highlighted that the Paul/Massie faction frequently challenges Trump-era policies and emphasizes limited government and individual liberties, often clashing with operatives who prioritize loyalty to the president.
These internal disputes underscore the difficulty of balancing ideological diversity with party unity, especially in high-stakes primary contests where perceptions of loyalty can influence both donors and voters.
McCubbin’s departure also raises questions about campaign fundraising and donor confidence.
He alleged that Mace had used his name publicly without honoring promised compensation, potentially undermining contributions from donors who favor staunch MAGA leadership.
Such conflicts may be particularly significant in South Carolina, where the Republican electorate is heavily influenced by loyalty to Trump and endorsements from prominent figures can sway primary outcomes.
The resignation may also influence voter perceptions.
MAGA supporters could interpret Mace’s outreach to the Paul/Massie wing as a sign of disloyalty, potentially reducing her support among the base.
Conversely, the move could appeal to more moderate Republicans or libertarian-leaning voters, signaling a strategic effort to broaden her appeal in a crowded field of primary candidates, according to The Washington Examiner.
Campaign insiders warn, however, that such attempts to appeal to multiple factions risk alienating core supporters while failing to fully win over moderates.
Trump’s endorsement remains a pivotal factor in the race.
McCubbin urged the president’s team to “scratch her name from the list” of candidates under consideration, signaling the influence that internal advisers and high-profile resignations can have on endorsements and campaign dynamics.
Internal divisions within Mace’s campaign could have broader repercussions for the South Carolina GOP.
Observers note that such disputes may affect messaging, coordination, and support for other candidates in the field, including Rep. Ralph Norman (R-SC), State Attorney General Alan Wilson, and Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette.
Mace’s campaign dismissed McCubbin’s claims, emphasizing her continued support for Trump.
A spokesperson said, “Nancy Mace has stood with President Trump since Day ONE. Mr. McCubbin said it himself: ‘Nancy Mace will be the most pro-Trump and America First Governor in the country.’”
The primary, scheduled for Nov. 3, 2026, features five declared Republican candidates, though Trump has not yet made an endorsement.
Political strategists suggest the resignation illustrates the broader challenge of reconciling party factions in key battleground states.
McCubbin’s exit highlights how loyalty disputes, fundraising tensions, intra-party messaging and public perception can shape campaigns long before voters head to the polls.
For Mace, the departure underscores the balancing act required to appeal to both MAGA loyalists and libertarian-minded Republicans while maintaining campaign stability and momentum.
