Mace made the remark largely unprompted, responding to an audience member who asked if she would remove fluoride from the water supply if elected.

The congresswoman joins a crowded field to succeed GOP Gov. Henry McMaster, who can't run again because of term limits.

Republican Rep. Nancy Mace of South Carolina says she plans to start a statewide series of town halls this week in Myrtle Beach now that she's running for governor.