Republican Rep. Nancy Mace is facing scrutiny as she campaigns for South Carolina governor, with a New York Magazine report detailing accounts from former staffers about their work experiences.
The report includes allegations of late-night demands and substance use, which Mace has dismissed as a "hit piece" on social media. Additional incidents, including a confrontation at Charleston Airport last fall, have drawn criticism.
Mace is competing in a crowded GOP primary against Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette, Attorney General Alan Wilson, and Rep. Ralph Norman. According to the Daily Mail, she has announced plans to leave her congressional seat at the end of the year, and previously served as the first woman to graduate from the Citadel before becoming a U.S. Representative.
Former members of “Team Mace” have come forward with jarring claims, painting a picture of a workplace far from the disciplined environment one might expect from a congressional office. One staffer told New York Magazine, “Look, when I worked for her, our poor scheduler was getting calls at two o'clock in the morning to bring her bottles of tequila.” If true, this raises serious questions about professionalism and leadership.
Others have alleged excessive cannabis use by Mace, a claim that clashes with the values many South Carolina conservatives hold dear. In a state where family and responsibility are paramount, such behavior—if proven—could alienate voters who expect their leaders to uphold personal discipline. The idea of a public servant indulging in excess isn’t just a personal failing; it’s a betrayal of trust.
Then there’s the bizarre assertion that Mace directed staff to manipulate online rankings on Reddit forums to boost her image among the “hottest women in Congress.” This kind of vanity project, if accurate, suggests a focus on superficial optics over substantive policy. For a party that prides itself on substance over style, this is a bitter pill to swallow.
Last year, Mace took to the House floor with a fiery speech accusing her ex-fiancé, Patrick Bryant, of secretly filming her, assaulting her, and engaging in a conspiracy against other women. She declared a “scorched earth” approach against him and his associates, even alleging she found disturbing images on his phone. Former staffers viewed this as a sign she needed serious mental help, not a platform for personal vendettas.
One staffer reflected to New York Magazine, “Looking at the floor speech and what went on there, it's very clear that that was the breaking point to me.” This wasn’t about defending others, they argued—it became a self-centered spectacle. For conservatives who value restraint and decorum, using the House floor as a personal soapbox is a misuse of power.
Public outbursts don’t end there; last fall, a police report from Charleston County Aviation Authority Police described Mace as “very irate” during an airport incident, berating staff with harsh language over a delayed escort. Video footage confirmed her late arrival, and former Rep. Trey Gowdy didn’t mince words, calling it a disturbing episode. This isn’t the composure we expect from someone eyeing the governor’s mansion.
Mace’s political battles extend beyond personal conduct—she’s made enemies in Washington, including President Donald Trump. Last summer, she joined MAGA House Republicans like Lauren Boebert and Marjorie Taylor Greene in signing a petition to discharge the Epstein files, defying Trump’s stance. In a crowded GOP primary where his endorsement could be a game-changer, this breach might cost her dearly.
Polling shows Mace hovering between first and third among primary opponents, a strong but not invincible position. South Carolina voters, known for rewarding loyalty and principle, may question whether her defiance of Trump aligns with their priorities. The primary will test whether her independent streak is a strength or a fatal flaw.
The left and establishment media are predictably circling, eager to frame Mace as unhinged or unfit, as seen in her preemptive strike on X, calling the New York Magazine story a “hit piece.” While their motives are suspect, conservatives must still grapple with the substance of these allegations. Ignoring red flags isn’t principled—it’s reckless.
For a party that often rails against the excesses of liberal elites, Mace’s alleged behavior—tequila runs at 2 a.m., online vanity games—feels like a betrayal of the “pull yourself up” ethos she claims to embody.
South Carolina deserves a governor who leads with integrity, not one mired in personal drama. Voters will decide if her “American Dream” story outweighs the baggage.
The road ahead for Mace is rocky, especially with formidable opponents like Evette, Wilson, and Norman in the race. Conservatives must ask: Does her defiance of Washington’s swamp make her a maverick worth supporting, or has she simply burned too many bridges? The primary will be a referendum on her character as much as her policies.