It Could Happen Here The Insurrectionist Running to Replace Nancy Mace
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Dec 11, 2025 A Gen Z candidate is shaking things up in the South Carolina Republican primary, challenging Nancy Mace. He's pushing for mass deportation and tax cuts while vehemently denying accusations of being a Nazi. His controversial past includes ties to extremist groups and a notable connection to the January 6 insurrection. Evidence from court cases reveals troubling conduct, including allegations of using Nazi gestures. As he launches his campaign under the America First banner, questions arise about his extremist history and the implications for local politics.
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Campaign Brand Mirrors Local GOP Playbook
- Tyler Dykes frames his campaign around Marine service, Christian rhetoric, and hardline immigration policy to mirror successful local messaging.
- Molly points out this packaging blends into a crowded America First field rather than distinguishing him positively.
Dykes' Defense: The 'Wave' Explanation
- Tyler Dykes describes being labeled a neo-Nazi and says a photograph of him on January 6 is being misrepresented as a Nazi salute.
- He claims the image is a friendly wave and portrays prosecution as political persecution.
Exhibits Were Largely Publicly Shared
- Federal sentencing exhibits included a still showing Dykes with an outstretched arm that prosecutors described as a Sieg Heil salute, and the government said those exhibits could be public.
- Molly shows discovery wasn't universally sealed and challenges Dykes' claim he can't access or release the materials.