Ex-governor known for Appalachian Trail sex scandal attempts comeback

Former Republican South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford filed to run for the House of Representatives seat he previously held, The Post and Courier reported Monday.

Sanford is running for the seat of Republican South Carolina Rep. Nancy Mace, who is vacating it to run for governor. He told The Post and Courier that his focus for running is mitigating America’s debt, deficit and spending.

Palmetto Politics: Former South Carolina Rep. Mark Sanford (R) has filed to run for his old U.S. House seat #SC01 (Trump +13 | 2024)https://t.co/cH5t27r6cj

— Politics & Poll Tracker (@PollTracker2024) March 30, 2026

“People have been telling me it’s time to get off the bleachers,” Sanford told the outlet, asserting that voters increasingly realize government spending is out of control.

At least 15 additional Republicans and Democrats have filed to run in the race, according to The Post and Courier. He is joining the race with $1.3 million raised from his previous federal campaigns.

Sanford previously held the seat from 1995-2001 and 2013-2019. However, he lost the 2018 Republican primary to a challenger backed by President Donald Trump who then lost to a Democrat.

Mace narrowly defeated the Democrat in 2020.

Sanford notoriously went on a tryst with his mistress to Argentina in 2009 when he disappeared while serving as governor. He resigned amid the fallout after being caught lying; he initially claimed he was hiking the Appalachian Trail.

The former governor also challenged Trump for the 2020 Republican presidential nomination. He left politics after the failed bid, according to The Post and Courier.

Sanford ended his presidential campaign in November 2019, according to Politico. He is also known for attacking Trump.

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