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Jimmy Williams
Daniel Hanlon, former chief of staff to Rep. Nancy Mace, has officially filed paperwork to run against his former boss in South Carolina’s June congressional primary.
Mace has represented South Carolina’s first district since 2021, and Hanlon’s decision to enter the race adds a unique dynamic to the electoral landscape.
Hanlon’s filing with the Federal Election Commission indicates his intention to compete for the congressional seat that Mace currently holds. This move is uncommon, as it’s rare for a former congressional aide to run against their previous employer. Hanlon parted ways with Mace’s office in December, and this candidacy underscores existing discontent within Mace’s team.
Mace’s office has experienced significant staff turnover, and Hanlon is not the first to express dissatisfaction publicly. Former spokesperson Natalie Johnson highlighted workplace issues in a tweet when Hanlon and other top aides departed at the end of 2023.
The political dynamics within Mace’s tenure have also shifted. Initially seen as a critic of former President Trump, Mace later aligned herself more closely with the GOP and surprised many by voting to oust former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. She also endorsed Trump over former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, despite Haley’s earlier support for Mace during a Trump-backed primary challenge.
Reports suggest that House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy may have encouraged Hanlon to run against Mace. The motivation behind this encouragement is not explicitly stated, but it adds a layer of intrigue to an already noteworthy primary race.
As the primary season unfolds, the contest between Mace and Hanlon will be closely watched, not only for the typical political dynamics but also for the unusual circumstance of a former aide challenging their ex-boss in a bid for political office.
