Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., stated that her divergence from former President Donald Trump over the release of files concerning Jeffrey Epstein "may have ended" her political career. Mace made the comments during an appearance on NewsNation when asked about potentially running for the Senate seat vacated by the late Sen. Lindsey Graham.
Mace, currently serving her last term in Congress, initially responded to the question by saying her focus was on South Carolina. However, when pressed about her "break" with Trump regarding the Epstein files, she acknowledged the potential career-ending impact.
"It may have ended my political career, Chris," Mace told host Chris Cuomo.
Mace, who was previously an ally of Trump, faced opposition from the former president when she supported legislation compelling the Justice Department to release unredacted Epstein investigation files, excluding victims' names. After the bill passed, Trump endorsed Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette over Mace in Mace's bid for South Carolina governor, where Mace finished last in the Republican primary with 12% of the vote.
Despite this history, Mace appears to be considering a Senate run. Shortly after Graham's death, she posted a quote from "The Godfather: Part III" stating, "Just when I thought I was out… they pull me back in…" A representative for Mace confirmed she is considering a bid, and sources told Politico she plans to begin polling voters this week.
Mace also stated in her interview that she enjoys "calling out Democrats and Republicans alike" and that "the calculation when I take votes." She acknowledged her previous gubernatorial race loss but expressed that she has "loved the job, it's been an honor to serve South Carolina."
Senator Graham, a staunch ally of Trump, died Saturday at age 71. His passing narrows the Republican Senate majority to 52-47. South Carolina Republican Gov. Henry McMaster appointed Graham's sister, Darline Graham Nordone, to serve out the remainder of his term, which expires in January.
Darline Graham Nordone called the appointment a "privilege" and a way to honor her brother's "important work." Trump commended the decision as a "fabulous tribute to Lindsey, who loved her dearly."
For the permanent seat, a Republican primary is scheduled for Aug. 11, with a runoff on Aug. 25 if no candidate secures a majority. Mark Lynch has announced his candidacy, stating his commitment to "putting South Carolina first, advancing President Trump’s America First agenda, and defending the Constitution." He pledged an additional $5 million to his campaign.
Rep. Ralph Norman is also reportedly considering a run and sought Trump's endorsement, though he also previously broke with Trump by endorsing Alan Wilson over Pamela Evette for governor. Republican leadership is reportedly hesitant to encourage House members to run due to the party's slim majority in the House. Rep. Joe Wilson stated he intends to remain in the House to maintain Trump's two-vote majority.
Lt. Gov. Evette, who received Trump's endorsement in her gubernatorial bid, is also reportedly receiving encouragement to run for the Senate seat, though she has not yet decided.
Candidates have until July 21 to file for the primary election.