COLUMBIA, S.C. — Former South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford has thrown his hat into the ring once more, seeking to reclaim the congressional seat he previously held before his political career was derailed by a highly publicized extramarital affair in 2009.
The 65-year-old politician submitted his candidacy documents to state election officials with little time to spare, filing just hours before the cutoff for South Carolina’s 1st District Republican primary scheduled for June 9.
Sanford’s political journey began in this very district, where he emerged as an unknown candidate with minimal public recognition. Despite starting as an underdog, he managed to secure second place in the initial primary before ultimately claiming victory in the runoff election. After serving six years in Congress, he successfully mounted a gubernatorial campaign, once again fighting through a competitive primary field before defeating the final Democratic incumbent governor.
However, his eight-year tenure as governor became infamous due to what became known as the “Appalachian Trail” incident — a euphemism for Sanford’s secret trip to Argentina to meet his mistress. During his absence, his spouse, children, and government staff were left without knowledge of his whereabouts.
Despite facing an ethics investigation and widespread demands for his resignation, Sanford refused to step down and completed his gubernatorial term on his own timeline.
Following his gubernatorial exit in 2013, Sanford successfully reclaimed his former House seat by defeating 15 opponents across the primary and runoff elections. He secured two additional complete terms before losing to a Republican rival in 2018 who enjoyed endorsement from then-President Donald Trump.
The district subsequently changed hands to Democratic control that November for the first time in many years, though current GOP Representative Nancy Mace recaptured it in 2020. Mace is now pursuing the governor’s office this election cycle.
Sanford also made a brief presidential bid in 2020, attempting to challenge Trump for the Republican nomination before withdrawing prior to the New Hampshire primary without participating in his home state’s GOP contest.
Attempts to reach Sanford for comment on Monday were unsuccessful. Following his departure from the House, Sanford has maintained control of more than $1.3 million in federal campaign funds, resources he can now deploy in what is already shaping up to be a competitive primary featuring numerous Republican and Democratic contenders.
