Who is Nancy Mace? What to Know About Her Political Career

Representative Nancy Mace, a prominent and outspoken Republican from South Carolina contemplating a gubernatorial bid, made waves on Monday with a striking address on the House floor. During her nearly hour-long speech, she accused four men—including her former fiancé—of serious crimes such as rape, physical abuse, and sexual misconduct.

Mace stated her intention to “go scorched earth” in her efforts to expose what she calls the “cowards” who prey on women. She detailed her experiences and the alleged actions of these men, highlighting her frustration that Attorney General Alan Wilson had not taken adequate steps after she reported the incidents to investigators. Wilson, who may become her political rival if she pursues the governor’s office in 2026, countered that the allegations were never brought to his attention.

At 47, Mace has branded herself as a defender of women and children’s safety. She often shares her own traumatic experiences, including being molested at 14 and raped at 16, which led her to leave high school. Mace later made history as the first woman to graduate from the Citadel military college and was elected to Congress in 2021.

Her political journey has been characterized by a blend of defiance and controversy. Reports from The Daily Beast last year, based on interviews with former staff members, suggest that Mace places significant emphasis on gaining national media attention.

Once viewed as a moderate, Mace has since embraced the agenda of former President Donald Trump, despite his legal troubles related to sexual abuse. She has become a leading voice in the Republican push against transgender rights, introducing a contentious resolution in November to prohibit trans women from using women’s restrooms in the Capitol, following the election of the first openly transgender woman to Congress. Mace has continued to express anti-trans sentiments on social media, often using derogatory language, including during a House committee hearing in February.

In recent weeks, Mace has been vocal about her intentions to run for governor of South Carolina.

Here’s a closer look at Mace.

Bringing sexual assault allegations to the House floor

Mace accused her ex-fiancé, Patrick Bryant, along with three other men from South Carolina, of drugging, raping, and filming women without their consent, as well as involvement in sex trafficking. While she did not provide evidence during her speech, she claimed to possess materials that could corroborate her accusations.

Bryant responded to the allegations by telling the Associated Press, “I categorically deny these allegations. I take this matter seriously and will fully cooperate with any legal processes to prove my innocence.” TIME was unable to independently verify the claims made by Mace. However, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division confirmed that there has been an active investigation into Bryant since December 2023.

Mace recounted that in November 2023, she inadvertently discovered disturbing evidence on Bryant’s phone, including a video of herself undressed without her knowledge, as well as other explicit materials involving different women. After her discovery, she accused Bryant of physically assaulting her. “I still bear the mark that Patrick Bryant left on me that night,” Mace stated. “I will wear it for the rest of my life as a badge of honor.”

She also alleged that in 2022, Bryant and his associates drugged her, resulting in a rape. “I believe they intended to incapacitate me. I have no idea if anyone else was present, if it was recorded, or if it ended up on the dark web, but I know what these men are capable of,” she said.

According to Mace, she has handed over all evidence against the accused to law enforcement in South Carolina, but criticized Attorney General Wilson for his inaction. Wilson called her remarks “categorically false” and asserted that she either misunderstood or misrepresented his office’s role in such matters.

“Our office has not received any reports or requests for assistance regarding these allegations from any law enforcement agencies,” Wilson’s office stated. “The Attorney General and his staff were unaware of these allegations until Mace’s public address.”

Shifting views on LGBTQ+ rights

Mace’s stance on LGBTQ+ issues has evolved since she took office.

In a 2021 interview with the Washington Examiner, she expressed strong support for LGBTQ rights, stating that “no one should face discrimination.” She mentioned having “friends and family who identify as LGBTQ” and emphasized the importance of understanding their experiences. However, in a 2023 CBS News interview, Mace identified herself as “pro-transgender rights” while also supporting minors who are socially transitioning.

“If they want to adopt a different pronoun or gender identity, or make changes in their appearance, those are personal choices that most people would support. But I believe in drawing the line at permanent changes for minors,” she stated, advocating for restrictions on gender-affirming care for transgender youth.

Since November, Mace has emerged as a prominent Republican critic of initiatives aimed at advancing transgender rights. She has faced backlash for her derogatory remarks and misgendering of transgender individuals, including a recent incident during a House Oversight Committee hearing where she used a transphobic slur. Despite the controversies, Mace has stood firm, sharing video clips of the incident on social media and defending her comments as part of a necessary resistance against what she perceives as leftist overreach.

Mace’s stringent stance on transgender rights is reflected in legislative proposals she has backed, such as her initiative to bar trans women from using women’s restrooms and changing facilities in the Capitol and House office buildings. Although this policy was initially excluded from the House rules for the 118th Congress, it was later incorporated into the 119th Congress under Speaker Mike Johnson. Mace has framed her anti-trans rhetoric as a protective measure for women and children, while critics argue that she fuels division and perpetuates harmful stereotypes about the transgender community.

Her vote to remove the former House Speaker

Mace was among the eight House Republicans who voted to remove Speaker Kevin McCarthy in October 2023 after he negotiated a bipartisan agreement with Democrats to prevent a government shutdown. This marked a historic first for the House, as it was the first time a Speaker was voted out of office.

Her vote was met with significant backlash. Mace explained that she voted for his ouster due to a “perceived lack of trust,” asserting that McCarthy did not fulfill commitments regarding balanced budget amendments and did not support two women’s initiatives she had championed. “For me, this was a matter of principle and conscience,” Mace insisted. “I could not continue to support a Speaker who was not truthful. Honesty is essential, especially given the divisive climate in our country. We had a leader who was saying one thing to Conservatives, another to moderates, and yet another to Democrats. That’s not true leadership.”

After her vote, Mace attracted attention by wearing a red “A” on her shirt, likening her situation to the protagonist of The Scarlet Letter, who was ostracized for having a child out of wedlock.

Contemplating a gubernatorial campaign

In January, Mace told the Associated Press that she is “seriously considering” a run for governor in 2026 and plans to make a final decision soon. She expressed her intention to seek Trump’s endorsement, as he supported her during last year’s GOP primary.

“Trump will need allies in governor positions come ’26,” Mace remarked. “It’s going to be a challenging election cycle for us. We need candidates who can win decisively and implement his agenda, and I am committed to doing just that. My relationship with him is strong, and I will be asking for his support across South Carolina.” Attorney General Wilson is also contemplating a run for governor.

Currently, Mace represents South Carolina’s only competitive district, which encompasses the Charleston area.