By PSA Newsroom Staff
Nancy Ruth Mace has been a prominent and sometimes controversial figure in American politics over the past several years. She currently serves as the U.S. Representative for South Carolina’s 1st Congressional District, a coastal region that includes Charleston, Beaufort, and parts of the Lowcountry. She was first elected to Congress in 2020 and took office on January 3, 2021.
Built on a Story of Determination
Born on December 4, 1977, in Fort Bragg, North Carolina, Mace grew up in a military family before settling in South Carolina. Her early life reflects an unconventional path: she left high school at age 17, worked service jobs including as a waitress, and later earned her diploma while attending college courses. She went on to graduate magna cum laude from The Citadel, becoming the first woman to complete that institution’s Corps of Cadets program. Later, she earned a master’s degree in journalism and mass communication.
Before serving in Congress, Mace was elected to the South Carolina House of Representatives in 2018. In the U.S. House, she has served on committees including Armed Services, Veterans’ Affairs, and Oversight, and has been involved in legislation related to cybersecurity, veterans, and national security.
In August 2025, Mace announced she is running in the 2026 South Carolina gubernatorial race, seeking to be the state’s next governor.
Policy and Public Identity
From her own website and campaign materials, Mace emphasizes traditional conservative priorities such as addressing inflation, infrastructure, and illegal immigration, as well as pursuing tax reforms including a proposal to eliminate South Carolina’s state income tax.
Her record in Congress shows a mix of mainstream Republican policy positions and occasional departures from party orthodoxy, which contributed to her early reputation as an independent voice.
Recent Public Incidents
In late 2025, Mace became the subject of national news coverage related to an incident at Charleston International Airport. According to internal airport police and security reports, a misunderstanding over logistics and a security escort on October 30, 2025, escalated into a verbal confrontation between Mace and airport personnel, including local law enforcement and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officials. The reports describe the exchange as heated and including profanity directed by Mace at officers.
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