Representative Nancy Mace, a notable South Carolina Republican with aspirations for the governor’s office, stirred considerable attention 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 assault, and sexual misconduct.
Mace declared her intent to “go scorched earth” in her mission to unveil what she describes as the “cowards” who exploit women. She recounted her own experiences and the alleged misdeeds of these men, expressing her disappointment that Attorney General Alan Wilson had not acted sufficiently after she reported the incidents. Wilson, who could become her political adversary if she runs for governor in 2026, responded that her allegations were never presented to him.
At 47, Mace portrays herself as a champion for the safety of women and children. She frequently discusses her personal traumas, including being molested at 14 and raped at 16, leading her to drop out of 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 path has been marked by a mix of boldness and controversy. Reports from The Daily Beast last year, based on interviews with former staff, indicate that Mace places high importance on capturing national media attention.
Initially seen as a moderate, Mace has pivoted to align with the agenda of former President Donald Trump, despite his ongoing legal issues related to sexual misconduct. She has emerged as a prominent figure in the Republican opposition to transgender rights, introducing a contentious resolution in November to prohibit trans women from accessing women’s restrooms in the Capitol, following the election of the first openly transgender woman to Congress. Mace has consistently voiced anti-trans views on social media, often using disparaging language, including during a House committee hearing in February.
Recently, Mace has been vocal about her plans to run for governor of South Carolina.
Let’s take a closer look at Mace.
Allegations of sexual assault brought to the House floor
Mace accused her ex-fiancé, Patrick Bryant, along with three other South Carolina men, of drugging, raping, and filming women without their consent, as well as being involved in sex trafficking. While she did not present evidence during her speech, she asserted that she possesses materials that could support her claims.
In response to the allegations, Bryant told the Associated Press, “I categorically deny these accusations. I take this matter seriously and will fully cooperate with any legal proceedings to prove my innocence.” TIME has not been able to independently verify Mace’s claims, but the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division has confirmed an active investigation into Bryant since December 2023.
Mace recounted that in November 2023, she stumbled upon disturbing evidence on Bryant’s phone, including a video of herself undressed without her consent, along with other explicit content featuring different women. Following this discovery, she alleged that Bryant physically assaulted her. “I still carry the mark that Patrick Bryant left on me that night,” Mace said. “I will wear it for the rest of my life as a badge of honor.”
She also claimed 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 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.
Mace indicated that she has provided all evidence against the accused to South Carolina law enforcement, but criticized Attorney General Wilson for his lack of action. Wilson described her statements as “categorically false” and claimed that she either misunderstood or misrepresented his office’s involvement in such cases.
“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 staff were unaware of these allegations until Mace’s public address.”
Evolving perspectives on LGBTQ+ rights
Mace’s views on LGBTQ+ issues have changed since she assumed office.
In a 2021 interview with the Washington Examiner, she expressed strong support for LGBTQ rights, stating that “no one should face discrimination.” She noted having “friends and family who identify as LGBTQ” and stressed the importance of understanding their experiences. However, in a 2023 CBS News interview, Mace described 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 change 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 limitations on gender-affirming care for transgender youth.
Since November, Mace has emerged as a leading Republican critic of efforts to promote transgender rights. She has faced backlash for her derogatory comments and misgendering of transgender individuals, including a recent incident during a House Oversight Committee hearing where she used a transphobic slur. Despite the criticisms, Mace has remained steadfast, sharing video clips of the incident on social media and defending her remarks as part of a necessary pushback against what she views as leftist overreach.
Mace’s stringent stance on transgender rights is evident in legislative initiatives she has supported, such as her proposal to prevent trans women from using women’s restrooms and changing facilities in the Capitol and House office buildings. Although this policy was initially left out of the House rules for the 118th Congress, it was later integrated 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 fosters division and perpetuates harmful stereotypes about the transgender community.
Her vote 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 struck a bipartisan deal with Democrats to avert a government shutdown. This marked a historic moment, as it was the first time a Speaker had been voted out of office.
Her decision drew substantial backlash. Mace explained that she voted for his removal due to a “perceived lack of trust,” asserting that McCarthy failed to uphold commitments regarding balanced budget amendments and did not support two women’s initiatives she had promoted. “For me, this was a matter of principle and conscience,” Mace insisted. “I could not continue to back a Speaker who was not truthful. Honesty is crucial, especially in our country’s polarized 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, likening her situation to the protagonist of The Scarlet Letter, who was shunned for having a child out of wedlock.
Considering a run for governor
In January, Mace informed the Associated Press that she is “seriously considering” a gubernatorial run in 2026 and plans to make a definitive decision soon. She expressed her intent to seek Trump’s endorsement, given his support during last year’s GOP primary.
“Trump will need allies in governorships 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 throughout South Carolina.” Attorney General Wilson is also contemplating a run for governor.
Currently, Mace represents South Carolina’s only competitive district, which includes the Charleston area.
