Nancy Mace Confronted by Former Staffers Over Alleged Erratic Conduct and Ethical Breaches
Republican Representative Nancy Mace of South Carolina is under renewed scrutiny following detailed accusations from multiple former staffers who describe her behavior behind closed doors as erratic and inappropriate. These allegations, reported by New York Magazine, suggest a pattern that mirrors the lawmaker's increasingly volatile public conduct, raising questions about her judgment and emotional stability as she campaigns for governor of South Carolina.
Allegations of Unethical Demands and Alcohol-Related Incidents
According to the report, former aides claim that during Mace's first term in Congress, she made bizarre and potentially unethical demands long before her recent public controversies. One significant allegation involves Mace allegedly pressuring staffers to bring alcohol to her home to keep parties going well past midnight. A former staffer recounted, "When I worked for her, our poor scheduler was getting calls at two o'clock in the morning to come bring her bottles of tequila." Such behavior could constitute an abuse of office under House ethics rules, adding a serious dimension to the claims.
Former aides also alleged that Mace frequently blurred professional boundaries, leaving staffers exhausted, fearful, and unsure how to push back against her demands. They described an environment where Mace would make staffers cry, threaten to fire them, withhold raises, and deny days off, including religious holidays. This workplace atmosphere has sparked concerns about her leadership style and treatment of employees.
Burner Accounts and Online Appearance Rankings
The report further alleges that Mace instructed staffers to create burner accounts to defend her online and boost her appearance rankings on Reddit. Sources indicate that the 48-year-old lawmaker told a staffer to visit forums that rank the "hottest women in Congress" and actively improve her standing. One former aide stated Mace was "very adamant" that the staffer upvote posts about her attractiveness and leave comments, highlighting a focus on superficial metrics amid her political duties.
Mace's Response and Denial of Allegations
Mace's office forcefully rejected these claims. Cameron Morabito, her director of operations, dismissed the allegations in a statement to New York Magazine, saying, "These allegations are so ridiculous they don't even merit a response. I hope she sues you for every dime you got paid to write this defamatory bullshit." Ahead of the article's publication, Mace addressed the story in a video posted on X, calling it a "hit piece" and asserting, "The establishment is coming after me again. If I have enemies, good. Get in line. It means I've done something, it means I've stood for something... I've never been a good old boy, I never will be."
Pattern of Public Confrontations and Personal Allegations
These staffer allegations arrive as Mace, now a vocal Donald Trump loyalist and a candidate for governor of South Carolina, has drawn attention for a series of public incidents. Last year, she accused her former fiancé, Patrick Bryant, of assault and participating in a conspiracy to drug, rape, and film other women during a speech on the House floor. Bryant has denied the allegations and has since sued Mace for defamation.
Mace has also faced criticism for an expletive-filled confrontation with police officers at Charleston Airport during a government shutdown and for a shouting match earlier this month with Democratic Representative Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts during a House Oversight Committee meeting. Former staffers told New York Magazine that while they are inclined to believe Mace's accusations against Bryant, despite never witnessing anything themselves, they question her judgment and emotional stability.
Additional Claims of Excessive Behavior and Workplace Issues
Former aides alleged that Mace drinks and uses marijuana "excessively," and expressed fear of her behavior in the workplace. They also claimed they were made to clean properties Mace rented out on Airbnb—including a $3.9 million home in Isle of Palms, South Carolina, and her Washington townhouse—instead of hiring professional cleaners, adding to concerns about misuse of staff resources.
Netizens React to the Controversy
Public reaction to the allegations has been mixed, with some expressing disappointment and others skepticism. One user commented, "Honestly kind of sad. She's a congresswoman. In theory, she should be confident and know she's accomplished so much, and is fierce. But unfortunately the political climate has devolved into name calling and bullying appearances by literally the most hideous people I've ever seen." Another added, "Odd but not surprising... The only way she could move past many of her colleagues is by cheating!" A third remarked, "I am so embarrassed for her omg."
As Nancy Mace navigates these allegations and her gubernatorial campaign, the scrutiny from former staffers adds a layer of complexity to her political trajectory, highlighting ongoing debates about ethics and conduct in public office.
