Nancy Mace is a Republican U.S. Representative who has been serving South Carolina’s 1st congressional district since 2021. Her district covers much of the state’s Lowcountry, including notable areas such as Charleston and Hilton Head Island. Mace has gained attention for her pioneering career and her stances on various legislative issues.
Career Path to Congress
- Early Life and Education: Born on December 4, 1977, in Fort Bragg, North Carolina, Mace is the daughter of a retired Army General and a schoolteacher. She left high school at 17 and worked as a waitress at Waffle House before earning her high school diploma through Trident Technical College. In 1999, she became the first woman to graduate from The Citadel’s Corps of Cadets program.
- Professional Career: After graduating, Mace earned a master’s degree from the University of Georgia in 2004. She worked as a commercial real estate agent, entrepreneur, and ran a public relations firm.
- Political Career: Mace entered politics in 2018, winning a seat in the South Carolina House of Representatives for the 99th district. In 2020, she was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, becoming the first Republican woman from South Carolina to serve in Congress.
Sponsored Legislation
- Preventing Violence Against Women by Illegal Aliens Act: In January 2025, Mace sponsored this bill, which passed with bipartisan support. The legislation aims to make any non-U.S. citizen convicted of or admitting to committing sex crimes deportable and ineligible to re-enter the United States.
- Safe Shelters Act: Introduced in December 2024, this bill seeks to prevent registered sex offenders from accessing emergency shelters during natural disasters, requiring the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to designate specific shelters for such individuals.
Votes and Stances on Major Social Issues
- LGBTQ+ Rights: Mace’s positions on LGBTQ+ issues have evolved. In a June 2023 interview, she identified as “pro-transgender rights” and “pro-LGBTQ.” However, in November 2024, she introduced a resolution to ban transgender women from using women’s bathrooms in the U.S. Capitol, specifically targeting Rep. Sarah McBride, the first openly transgender member of Congress.
- Abortion: Mace has expressed nuanced views on abortion, advocating for exceptions in cases of rape, incest, and the life of the mother. As a rape survivor herself, she has emphasized the importance of compassion in the abortion debate.
Votes and Stances on Major Economic Issues
- Fiscal Policy: Mace positions herself as a fiscal conservative, advocating for limited government spending and lower taxes. She has supported legislation aimed at reducing the federal deficit and promoting economic growth through deregulation.
- Infrastructure: She has shown support for infrastructure improvements, particularly those benefiting her coastal district, emphasizing the need for resilient infrastructure to combat flooding and support economic development.
Votes and Stances on National Defense, NDAA, and DARPA
- National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA): Serving on the House Armed Services Committee, Mace has supported the NDAA, emphasizing the importance of a strong national defense and advocating for resources benefiting service members and their families.
- Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA): While specific votes on DARPA-related legislation are not detailed, Mace’s role on the Armed Services Committee involves oversight of defense research and innovation initiatives.
Demographics of the 1st Congressional District
South Carolina’s 1st congressional district includes Charleston, Mount Pleasant, and Hilton Head Island. The district has a diverse population, with a mix of urban and suburban areas. As of the latest census data, the district’s demographics are approximately:
- Race and Ethnicity:
- White: Approximately 68%
- Black or African American: About 22%
- Hispanic or Latino: Around 5%
- Asian: Approximately 2%
- Education: A significant portion of the adult population holds a bachelor’s degree or higher, reflecting the district’s relatively high educational attainment.
- Income: The median household income in the district is higher than the national average, indicative of its relatively affluent population.
Controversial Statements or Actions
- Bathroom Bill: Mace’s introduction of the resolution to ban transgender women from using women’s bathrooms in the U.S. Capitol drew significant criticism from LGBTQ+ advocacy groups and political opponents, who viewed it as discriminatory.
- Social Media Disputes: In April 2024, Mace publicly sparred with the social media platform X’s (formerly Twitter) community notes feature over representations of her voting record, leading to a heated exchange that attracted media attention.
Nancy Mace’s tenure in Congress reflects a blend of traditional conservative positions and occasional departu