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

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.

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