Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) has recently been the subject of online criticism following a social media post that many found to be in poor taste. The congresswoman's post, which appeared to be an attempt to ride the wave of a meme inspired by Sydney Sweeney's American Eagle ad, was met with a swift backlash from both conservatives and other social media users. This event coincides with Mace's entrance into the 2026 South Carolina gubernatorial race, announced on Monday, where she positions herself as an outsider ready to challenge the status quo.
Mace's launch speech was not just a mere declaration of candidacy; it was a clear shot across the bow at career politicians. She claimed that South Carolina was weary of leaders who are all smiles and promises in front of cameras but disappear when it's time to take action. "I'm not one of them," Mace declared, portraying herself as a fighter for the people and their values.
The third-term congresswoman's fiscal platform is centered on significant government spending cuts. Her plan suggests freezing the state's general fund spending at around $11.6 billion and mandating annual budget cuts for every state agency, ranging from 3% to 4%. Mace's platform also includes educational reforms, such as expanding access to vocational and trade schools and a strict enforcement mechanism to ensure compliance with state and federal laws, with the threat of defunding any non-compliant entities.
Her campaign video prominently features her relationship with former President Donald Trump, highlighting his endorsement of her as a "fighter." This endorsement is a notable pivot, as Mace has had a complicated political relationship with Trump. She has transitioned from an outspoken critic to a strong supporter, despite having joined a letter in 2021 with other House Republicans asserting Congress's lack of authority to overturn the election results.
Mace's background includes being the first female cadet to graduate from The Citadel, South Carolina's military college, in 1999. She initially entered politics in 2018 as a South Carolina House Representative, and in 2020, she won a congressional seat by flipping a district that was previously Democratic. Her tenure in Congress has been marked by her opposition to Trump on election matters and criticism of his role in the January 6 Capitol incident.
Despite her political transformations and the criticisms she has faced, Mace's recent social media activity has attracted particular attention. Comments from social media users and conservative figures like former Daily Wire host Brett Cooper have been scathing. Cooper expressed a strong disdain for the post, stating, "I’d love to never see this butt ever again."
Another user criticized Mace for adhering to stereotypes and seeking validation rather than being taken seriously as a congresswoman. The convergence of Mace's social media presence with her political ambitions has raised questions about the seriousness with which she approaches her role and her campaign for governor.
As Mace's gubernatorial bid unfolds, it remains to be seen how her fiscal proposals and her approach to public engagement will influence voters. The juxtaposition of her aggressive political platform against the backdrop of online controversies paints a complex picture of a politician navigating the turbulent waters of public opinion and the demands of governance.
