Mace Blames Loss
Rep. Nancy Mace Attributes Primary Defeat to Epstein Files, Trump Endorsement
Rep. Nancy Mace finished fifth in the South Carolina Republican gubernatorial primary on June 9, 2026, pulling just 12% of the vote — losing even her own home county and the congressional district she represents, according to USA Today. She blamed her loss on political payback from former President Donald Trump after she helped force the release of the Jeffrey Epstein files.
But critics and analysts say the real reason is simpler: Mace spent years fighting national culture wars and ignored South Carolina. Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, backed by Trump, finished first with 29%. Attorney General Alan Wilson came in second with 26%. Both advanced to a June 23 runoff, according to USA Today.
Mace Blames Epstein Files for Her Downfall
In November 2025, Mace was one of only four House Republicans — alongside Reps. Thomas Massie, Lauren Boebert, and Marjorie Taylor Greene — to sign a discharge petition forcing the Justice Department to release Epstein files. The full House later passed the bill 427–1. Trump signed it into law, USA Today reported, but he was reportedly furious at Mace for pushing the issue.
After the results came in, Mace posted on X that she was "at peace" with her loss. "I voted to release the Epstein files and lost some support for that," she wrote. "This is a moral emergency." Trump then endorsed Evette, which Mace called the "sole reason" she lost the race.
Years of Constituent Neglect Sealed Her Fate
Analysts say the Epstein files were not the real problem. Mace had been drifting away from South Carolina for years. In May 2025, she was filmed shouting "F**k you" at a gay constituent at an Ulta store who simply asked if she would hold a town hall meeting, according to Herald Mail Media. She never held one.
In May 2026, the House Ethics Committee opened an investigation into Mace for allegedly overcharging nearly $9,000 to a congressional housing subsidy program, according to Herald Mail Media. That same month, she introduced a constitutional amendment to bar naturalized citizens from holding federal judgeships — a move that drew national headlines but little applause back home.
Culture War Persona Wore Thin With Voters
Mace built her brand around attacking trans people and immigrants. She became known as a "bathroom sheriff" for banning Rep. Sarah McBride, the first openly transgender member of Congress, from using women's restrooms in the Capitol. After Mace lost, McBride posted simply: "Happy Pride, Nancy," according to South Bend Tribune.
Political analysts noted that Mace kept telling South Carolina voters that their real enemies were trans people, immigrants, and the left — while doing little on housing, healthcare, or jobs. A Trafalgar Group poll from May 2026 already showed her in fourth place at 15.2%, well behind Evette and Wilson, according to VC Star.
Mace Returns to Congress With an Uncertain Future
Mace says her congressional seat is safe and she plans to return to Washington. But she lost in the very district she represents — a rare and embarrassing result. Analysts say she now heads back to Capitol Hill with far less political standing than before, according to Tallahassee Democrat.
The June 23 runoff between Evette and Wilson will decide who faces Democrat Jermaine Johnson in the general election. Mace quickly endorsed Wilson after her loss. The race also shows how much a Trump endorsement still matters in South Carolina — and how costly it is to cross him, according to JC Online.
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