Rock Hill, August 13, 2025
News Summary
Rock Hill saw significant protests outside Hoppin’ Brewery during a town hall event held by Nancy Mace, a candidate for governor of South Carolina. Protesters voiced their dissent against Mace’s controversial policies, particularly her stances on LGBTQ issues. Inside, Mace responded to protesters while promoting her campaign promises, drawing mixed reactions from attendees. Concerns over accessibility arose when some protesters claimed they were denied entry. Mace’s campaign platform includes proposals that have sparked intense debate ahead of the upcoming South Carolina Republican primary.
Rock Hill Experiences Protests During Nancy Mace’s Gubernatorial Town Hall
Rock Hill—Dozens of protesters gathered outside Hoppin’ Brewery on Monday night, voicing their dissent during Nancy Mace’s campaign event for the South Carolina governorship. The crowd accused Mace of being a “disgrace” and “spewing hate,” highlighting significant opposition to her stances, particularly on LGBTQ issues.
As the event progressed, Mace described the protesters as “lunatics” and used a transphobic slur in an apparent response to their presence. Inside the brewery, she focused on her campaign promises and her record in Congress, addressing the protesters directly while delivering critical remarks about their actions.
Support for Mace was evident among certain attendees. However, others utilized the Q&A session to express misgivings about her policies. Reports emerged that some protesters, including one claiming to have registered for the event, were denied entry to the venue, raising concerns about accessibility and open dialogue.
Opposition to Mace’s views was particularly pronounced, with many protesters targeting her anti-LGBTQ positions, which encompass support for strict bathroom regulations and proposals to defund educational institutions that recognize transgender pronouns. The protest’s organizer, Brian, indicated plans to attend all Republican campaign events leading up to the election to continue raising awareness against Mace’s policies.
In her remarks, Mace recognized the crowded Republican primary field but characterized the contest as a “two-man race” primarily between herself and Attorney General Alan Wilson. Recent polling data as of July 28 reflected Mace’s position, showing her with 16% support among Republican respondents, while 52% remained undecided.
Throughout her campaign, Mace has been vocal about her support for former President Trump, expressing hopes of receiving his endorsement. Her campaign platform promises various contentious policies, including the elimination of the state income tax, defunding schools that accommodate transgender students, and implementing stricter immigration regulations. She called for penalties against businesses hiring undocumented workers and proposed deportation measures for undocumented immigrants. Mace also included provisions for the death penalty for individuals convicted of raping children and stricter regulations regarding homelessness.
Proposals presented by Mace have sparked debate. She suggested banning pronouns in educational contexts and imposing limits on discussions around certain content, labeling some as inappropriate for children, such as “child porn in libraries.” Mace has additionally expressed her opposition to the Silfab Solar manufacturing facility in Fort Mill, citing concerns from local residents.
The split opinion on Mace’s candidacy was evident during the event. While she was perceived as a refreshing voice within the Republican Party by some, others were critical of her rhetoric and policy positions. Moreover, Mace’s history of controversial statements, particularly concerning LGBTQ issues, has led to ongoing scrutiny. She has faced a defamation lawsuit regarding remarks made about her former fiancé during a Congressional speech.
The South Carolina Republican primary for governor is scheduled for June 2026, making this event a critical component in shaping the political landscape leading up to the election.
FAQ
What was the main event discussed in Rock Hill?
The main event was a town hall campaign event for Nancy Mace, a candidate for governor of South Carolina.
What issues did the protesters focus on?
Protesters focused on Nancy Mace’s anti-LGBTQ stances and various controversial policies she supports, including bathroom regulations and defunding schools for accommodating transgender students.
How did Nancy Mace respond to the protests?
Nancy Mace referred to the protesters in negative terms and addressed them directly during her speech while also emphasizing her campaign promises.
What are some key points of Mace’s campaign platform?
Key points of Mace’s campaign include eliminating the state income tax, stricter immigration laws, and controversial education policies regarding transgender issues.
When is the South Carolina Republican primary scheduled?
The South Carolina Republican primary for governor is set for June 2026.
Key Features of Nancy Mace’s Campaign
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Support for Trump | Expressed desire for Trump’s endorsement. |
| Platform Highlights | Elimination of state income tax, immigration reforms, anti-transgender policies. |
| Poll Standing | Currently leads with 16% support among Republicans; 52% undecided. |
| Controversies | Defamation lawsuit, past slurs targeting transgender individuals. |
| Protests | Opposition due to her anti-LGBTQ stances and policies. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
Author: STAFF HERE ROCK HILL
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