House Speaker Mike Johnson has endorsed U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace in her reelection bid, offering the clearest signal yet that top Republican leadership will support the South Carolina congresswoman as she faces a pair of GOP primary challengers in her coastal district.
Johnson was elected to the top House leadership position six months ago after Mace and seven other House Republicans joined Democrats in voting to oust Kevin McCarthy from the speakership.
The Louisiana Republican endorsed Mace on April 15.
His support was announced by the Mace campaign. News of the endorsement was shared on the same day that federal fundraising reports showed one of Mace's primary challengers had narrowly outraised her.
"Congresswoman Mace has consistently proven herself to be an independent voice, unafraid to stand up for the values, interests, and needs of her constituents above all else," Johnson said in his written statement. "I endorse her re-election campaign and look forward to working alongside her to ensure Republican leadership remains strong in Congress."
The Mace campaign did not directly answer questions about whether Johnson's endorsement comes with the promise of future financial support or if he will hold campaign events on her behalf.
Johnson is the latest high-profile supporter to line up behind Mace. Former President Donald Trump endorsed Mace in March.
Mace, who is seeking her third term in Congress, welcomed Johnson's endorsement in a statement. She said his support "underscores the urgent need for bold, visionary leadership within our party."
Republicans are legislating with their smallest House majority in decades after a spate of recent departures whittled down the GOP caucus even further. With a 222-218 majority, it means Republicans can only afford to lose two House members if they want to pass legislation on party lines when every member is attending and voting.
"This year, especially, we can chart a new course for our party, and for our country; one that is focused on delivering results and advancing the interests of the American people first and foremost," Mace said in her statement, adding, "I promise you, no one will work harder for the Lowcountry, for our state, and for our nation."
Mace's challengers in the GOP primary for the 1st Congressional District are former state agency leader Catherine Templeton and Marine veteran Bill Young.
Templeton is seen as Mace's chief rival in the Republican contest. After securing Trump's endorsement, Mace called on Templeton to drop out of the race. Templeton refused.
The coastal seat is considered the most moderate of South Carolina’s six Republican-held congressional districts and spans parts of Charleston, Berkeley, Dorchester, Colleton, Beaufort and Jasper counties.
While Trump was the overwhelming statewide favorite in February's GOP presidential primary, he lost the 1st District turnout to former Gov. Nikki Haley.
The Republican primary is set for June 11.
