As South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster enters the second half of his final term, two prominent politicians in the Palmetto State are already clashing, as if the 2026 GOP Primary Election were just around the corner. Congresswoman Nancy Mace and Attorney General Alan Wilson are expected to announce their candidacies to succeed McMaster.
For several weeks, Mace has accused Wilson of being slow to act on a sexual assault case. Last month, she delivered a speech on the floor of the U.S. House, where she accused four men, including her ex-fiancé Patrick Bryant, of committing sex crimes against her and other women. Mace criticized South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson for allegedly failing to address these allegations, claiming that his office delayed the investigation for over seven months, despite having received evidence.
Attorney General Wilson’s office responded by categorically denying Mace’s claims. They stated that they had not received any reports or requests for assistance from law enforcement or prosecution agencies concerning these issues. Additionally, the statement noted that Mace had multiple opportunities to approach Wilson directly but failed to do so.
Mace continued her criticism in a speech on March 3rd, reiterating her accusations against Wilson and expressing frustration over the lack of action to protect women.
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division confirmed that an active investigation into Mace’s allegations has been ongoing since December 2023. This investigation has involved multiple interviews and search warrants. Mace’s public statements have increased scrutiny on Wilson’s handling of the case, and the dispute could get even more heated with each passing day.
Prior to Mace’s battle with Wilson, Republican media consultant Wesley Donehue made national headlines with his blunt explanation for canceling his professional consulting agreement with Mace. On X, the social network formerly known as Twitter, Donehue wrote: “You can stop texting me. I fired Nancy Mace as client a few months back because I’m a political consultant and not a babysitter, a sex therapist or a doctor who can prescribe fixes for chemical imbalances. I don’t have time for her constant egotistical bullshit and drama in my life.”