Rep. Nancy Mace said that her public split with President Donald Trump over the release of the Jeffrey Epstein files might have effectively ended her political career following her unsuccessful bid for South Carolina governor.
Lindsey Graham’s Senate seat
Mace made the remarks during an appearance on NewsNation with Chris Cuomo, during which the host asked whether she plans to enter the upcoming special election for the U.S. Senate seat left vacant after the death of Sen. Lindsey Graham.
Gov. Henry McMaster appointed Graham’s sister, Darline Graham Nordone, to serve the remainder of his term, which expires in January.
A special election on August 11 will determine which Republican will face Democratic nominee Annie Andrews, a physician, in November.
‘It may have ended my political career’
Asked directly whether she intends to run, Mace declined to answer.
“My focus right now is focusing on South Carolina,” she said.
Cuomo then turned to Mace’s recent break with Trump over the release of the Epstein files, suggesting the dispute could complicate any future Senate campaign.
“But could that be enough to ruin your chances?” Cuomo asked.
“It may have ended my political career, Chris,” Mace replied.
“You said it,” Cuomo responded.
The Epstein files
Mace was among a small group of House Republicans who last year signed a discharge petition to force a vote on legislation requiring the Department of Justice to release its Epstein files, with victims’ names redacted. The measure passed both chambers of Congress and was signed into law by Trump, although critics noted he also had the authority to order the records released without congressional action.
The rift with Trump came as Mace sought the Republican nomination for governor. In May, Trump endorsed Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette instead of Mace. The following month, Mace finished fifth in the Republican primary.
Mace, who is leaving Congress when her current term ends in January, acknowledged the political challenges she now faces while defending her willingness to criticize members of both parties.
“I enjoy calling out Democrats and Republicans alike,” she said, before adding, “I got my butt beat in the governor’s race, ok? So, you know, those are all things that you sort of weigh.”
