SOUTH CAROLINA
— A brief but heated Twitter exchange between
Rep. Nancy Mace
(R-SC) and
California Gov. Gavin Newsom
has stirred fresh conversation about how South Carolina stacks up to California in economic output, public policy, and quality of life metrics.
The online spat began after Rep. Mace tweeted,
“Don’t California my South Carolina,”
a phrase commonly used by conservatives to criticize liberal policies associated with California.
Gov. Newsom, a Democrat and frequent national political commentator, responded with a sharp rebuttal listing California’s higher performance in several categories.
Newsom’s Response Highlights Policy Divide
In response to Mace’s jab,
Newsom tweeted a list of achievements
California boasts, implying South Carolina would benefit from similar reforms. His tweet included:
-
Lower homicide and gun death rates
-
Lower taxes for working families
-
Lower maternal mortality rates
-
Higher GDP and wages
-
Higher life expectancy
-
Universal pre-K and free community college
-
Free school meals
-
Dominance in major industries
“Time for a bathroom break, Nance,” Newsom concluded, adding a snarky tone to the already bold clapback.
Economic Rankings Fuel Debate
The tweet war came just days after new GDP data revealed
California remains the 4th largest economy in the world
, trailing only the U.S., China, and Germany. In contrast,
South Carolina currently ranks 24th in the U.S.
in total GDP, according to the latest figures from the Bureau of Economic Analysis.
Critics of Mace’s post argue that the data speaks for itself.
“You can’t just throw shade without receipts. California’s economy, wages, and life expectancy all rank higher,” tweeted one South Carolina resident.
Supporters of Mace, however, applauded her defense of
South Carolina’s conservative identity
, arguing that
freedom, lower cost of living
, and
limited government
are more valuable than Newsom’s metrics.
Broader Implications for 2024 and Beyond
While the exchange was just a few tweets long, it plays into
broader cultural and political narratives
going into the 2024 elections. Red states like South Carolina have been quick to reject comparisons to blue states like California, often citing fears of rising taxes, more regulation, or “coastal elitism.”
But Newsom has emerged as a loud voice defending California’s progressive model,
appearing in red states to challenge Republican messaging
on abortion, education, and crime. His rebuttal to Mace may signal more national-level jabs in the lead-up to presidential campaigns.
A Divided Nation, One Viral Thread
Social media users were quick to pick sides, with thousands sharing the tweet thread and adding their own commentary. As political discourse increasingly plays out online, moments like this offer a real-time window into
partisan priorities and public sentiment
.
Despite the online drama, neither Mace nor Newsom has issued further clarification. For now, the internet continues debating:
Which model—California’s or South Carolina’s—offers the better path forward?
Do you think South Carolina should follow its own model, or adopt policies seen in larger states like California? Share your take at
saludastandard-sentinel.com
and let your voice be heard in the conversation.
