Congresswoman Nancy Mace acknowledged that her public disagreement with former President Donald Trump over the release of documents related to the Jeffrey Epstein investigation "may have ended" her political career. The statement came as speculation mounts that Mace is considering a run for the U.S. Senate seat vacated by the death of Senator Lindsey Graham.
During an interview on NewsNation, Mace was asked if her "righteous break" with Trump over the Epstein files might jeopardize her chances in a potential Senate race. "It may have ended my political career, Chris," Mace told interviewer Chris Cuomo. Cuomo had pressed the congresswoman after she initially responded to the question about running by saying her focus was on South Carolina.
Mace, who is in her final term in the House of Representatives, had previously been a supporter of Trump. However, she diverged from the former president when she co-signed a discharge petition to compel the Department of Justice to release unredacted files on Epstein, with the exception of victims' names. Trump eventually signed the legislation into law after it passed both chambers of Congress.
This rift with Trump followed Mace's unsuccessful bid for South Carolina governor. During that primary, Trump endorsed Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette over Mace, who finished with 12 percent of the vote. Mace later commented on her gubernatorial race performance, stating, "I got my butt beat in the governor's race, OK?"
Shortly after Senator Graham's death was announced, Mace posted a clip of Michael Corleone from "The Godfather: Part III" with the caption, "Just when I thought I was out… they pull me back in…" A representative for Mace later confirmed to the Daily Mail that she is considering a Senate bid and plans to begin polling voters this week. She described her approach as "calling out Democrats and Republicans alike."
Lindsey Graham, a staunch ally of Donald Trump, died on Saturday at the age of 71. South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster appointed Graham's sister, Darline Graham Nordone, to serve out the remainder of his term, which ends in January. A special primary election is scheduled for August 11, with a runoff on August 25 if no candidate secures a majority. The filing deadline for candidates is July 21.
Other potential candidates have emerged for the Senate seat. Mark Lynch, who previously ran against Graham, announced his intention to compete in the Republican primary, committing an additional $5 million to his campaign. Congressman Ralph Norman is also reportedly considering a run and had spoken with Trump about potential endorsement. Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette is also reportedly receiving encouragement to run, though she has not yet made a decision.
Republicans hold a narrow majority in the Senate, which was further impacted by Senator Mitch McConnell's hospitalization. The close margin in the Senate has raised concerns among some Republicans about members leaving the House before the end of their terms.