Representative Nancy Mace, a notable and candid Republican from South Carolina who is considering a run for governor, made headlines on Monday with a powerful speech on the House floor. In her nearly hour-long address, she accused four men—including her former fiancé—of grave offenses, including rape, physical abuse, and sexual misconduct.
Mace declared her intention to “go scorched earth” in her quest to reveal what she describes as the “cowards” who exploit women. She shared her personal experiences and detailed the alleged actions of these men, expressing her disappointment that Attorney General Alan Wilson had not taken sufficient action after she reported the incidents. Wilson, who could potentially be her political opponent if she decides to run for governor in 2026, responded by stating that the allegations had never been reported to him.
At 47, Mace has positioned herself as a champion for the safety of women and children. She frequently recounts her own traumatic history, including being molested at the age of 14 and raped at 16, experiences that 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 career has been marked by a combination of boldness and controversy. According to reports from The Daily Beast last year, based on conversations with former staffers, Mace appears to prioritize garnering national media attention.
Initially seen as a moderate, Mace has since adopted many of former President Donald Trump’s policies, despite his ongoing legal issues related to sexual misconduct. She has emerged as a vocal opponent of transgender rights, introducing a contentious resolution in November to prevent 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 voice anti-trans sentiments on social media, often using derogatory language, including during a House committee hearing in February.
Recently, Mace has been outspoken about her ambitions to run for governor of South Carolina.
Let’s delve deeper into Mace’s story.
Making allegations of sexual assault public
Mace accused her ex-fiancé, Patrick Bryant, along with three other South Carolinians, of drugging, raping, and filming women without their consent, and of being involved in sex trafficking. Although she did not present evidence during her speech, she claimed to have materials that could substantiate her allegations.
In response, Bryant told the Associated Press, “I categorically deny these allegations. I take this matter seriously and am prepared to fully cooperate with any legal processes to demonstrate my innocence.” TIME was unable to independently verify Mace’s claims, but the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division confirmed that an investigation into Bryant has been ongoing since December 2023.
Mace shared that in November 2023, she stumbled upon unsettling evidence on Bryant’s phone, which included a video of herself undressed without her consent, along with other explicit content involving various women. Following this discovery, she accused Bryant of physically assaulting her. “I still carry the mark that Patrick Bryant left on me that night,” Mace said. “I will bear it for the rest of my life as a badge of honor.”
She further alleged that in 2022, Bryant and his associates drugged her, leading to a rape. “I believe their intention was to incapacitate me. I have no idea if anyone else was there, if it was recorded, or if it ended up on the dark web, but I know what these men are capable of,” she stated.
According to Mace, she has provided all evidence against the accused to South Carolina law enforcement but criticized Attorney General Wilson for his lack of action. Wilson labeled her remarks as “categorically false” and claimed that she either misunderstood or misrepresented his office’s involvement in such matters.
“Our office has not received any reports or requests for assistance regarding these allegations from any law enforcement agencies,” stated Wilson’s office. “The Attorney General and his team were unaware of these claims until Mace’s public address.”
Changing perspectives on LGBTQ+ rights
Mace’s views on LGBTQ+ issues have shifted since she assumed office.
In a 2021 conversation with the Washington Examiner, she expressed strong support for LGBTQ rights, asserting that “no one should face discrimination.” She mentioned having “friends and family who identify as LGBTQ” and underscored the significance of understanding their experiences. Yet, in a 2023 CBS News interview, Mace described herself as “pro-transgender rights” while also expressing support for minors undergoing social transitions.
“If they wish to adopt a different pronoun or gender identity, or alter their appearance, those are personal choices that many would support. However, I believe we should draw the line at permanent changes for minors,” she articulated, advocating for restrictions on gender-affirming care for transgender youth.
Since November, Mace has emerged as a prominent critic of initiatives aimed at promoting transgender rights within the Republican Party. She has faced backlash for her disparaging comments and misgendering of transgender individuals, including a recent incident during a House Oversight Committee hearing where she used transphobic language. Despite the controversies, Mace has remained steadfast, sharing video clips of the incident on social media and defending her remarks as part of a necessary stand against what she perceives as leftist overreach.
Mace’s rigid stance on transgender issues is evident in her legislative proposals, such as her plan to prohibit 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 reinstated in 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 perpetuates division and harmful stereotypes about the transgender community.
Voting to oust the former House Speaker
Mace was one of eight House Republicans who voted to remove Speaker Kevin McCarthy in October 2023 after he brokered a bipartisan deal with Democrats to avert a government shutdown. This was a historic moment, marking the first time a Speaker was ousted from office.
Her vote sparked significant backlash. Mace explained that she supported his removal due to a “perceived lack of trust,” claiming that McCarthy failed to honor commitments regarding balanced budget amendments and did not back two initiatives for women that she championed. “This was a matter of principle and conscience for me,” Mace asserted. “I couldn’t continue to support a Speaker who wasn’t truthful. Honesty is crucial, especially in today’s divisive climate. 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 casting her vote, Mace drew attention by wearing a red “A” on her shirt, comparing her situation to that of the protagonist in The Scarlet Letter, who faced ostracism for bearing an illegitimate child.
Considering a run for governor
In January, Mace informed the Associated Press that she is “seriously considering” a campaign for governor in 2026 and plans to reach a final decision soon. She expressed her desire to secure Trump’s endorsement, as he backed her during last year’s GOP primary.
“Trump will need allies in the governor’s mansions come ’26,” Mace remarked. “This election cycle is going to be challenging for us. We need candidates who can win decisively and implement his agenda, and I am committed to making that happen. My relationship with him is strong, and I will be seeking his support throughout South Carolina.” Attorney General Wilson is also contemplating a gubernatorial run.
Presently, Mace represents South Carolina’s only competitive congressional district, which includes the Charleston area.
