Nancy Mace is a Republican member of the U.S. House of Representatives, representing South Carolina's 1st congressional district. Born in Fayetteville, North Carolina, on December 4, 1977, she graduated from Stratford High School in Goose Creek, South Carolina in 1995 and went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts from The Citadel in 1999, followed by a Master of Science from the University of Georgia in 2004. Prior to her political career, Mace worked as an author, public relations consultant, and real estate broker. She was a member of the South Carolina House of Representatives from 2018 to 2020 and was first elected to Congress on January 3, 2021. She has been re-elected to serve in the current Congress.
In her tenure, Rep. Mace has been actively involved in several key legislative efforts and has served on important committees, including the Armed Services Committee, the Tactical Air and Land Forces Subcommittee, the Oversight and Government Reform Committee, and the Health Care and Financial Services Subcommittee. This committee work positions her at the intersection of national defense, healthcare, and governmental efficiency—areas that reflect her priorities as a legislator.
Among the significant bills she has sponsored or co-sponsored, the State Immigration Enforcement Act seeks to empower state and local governments to enforce immigration laws, allowing them to impose penalties similar to those at the federal level. This legislation reflects a strong stance on immigration issues, favoring local enforcement and accountability.
Furthermore, Mace co-sponsored the Fund and Complete the Border Wall Act, which aims to secure funding for a border barrier along the U.S.-Mexico border and adjust compensation for border patrol agents. The positioning of these bills indicates her advocacy for stricter immigration policies and a robust approach to national security.
Her legislative priorities also include military readiness and veteran affairs, as evidenced by her sponsorship of bills like the Pay Our Troops Act, aimed at ensuring proper compensation for military personnel. Mace's involvement with these bills illustrates a commitment to strengthening U.S. armed forces and supporting those who serve.
On social issues, Rep. Mace sponsored the Stop Victimizers and Offenders from Yielding Explicit Unconsented Recordings Surreptitiously Act, aiming to enhance privacy protections against video voyeurism. The bill signifies a focus on individual rights, particularly as related to technology and privacy in an increasingly digital world.
Politically, Nancy Mace is aligned with the conservative wing of her party. Her support for stringent immigration reforms, military funding, and legislation that enhances law enforcement tools reflect a traditional Republican perspective prioritizing security and lawfulness. At the same time, her initiatives aimed at personal privacy and support for veterans indicate a multifaceted agenda that seeks to resonate with her constituents' diverse interests.
Mace is known for her advocacy of transparency and accountability in government dealings, often promoting policies that prevent conflicts of interest among legislators. This emphasis on ethical governance is evident in her support for measures requiring heightened financial disclosures and limitations on personal investments for members of Congress.
Outside of her professional life, Nancy Mace often highlights her personal journey as a single mother and the challenges she has faced, using her experiences to advocate for women's issues and family support programs. Her story is part of her broader narrative as she seeks to connect with constituents on both personal and legislative levels.
Overall, Nancy Mace's legislative career thus far demonstrates her commitment to a broadly conservative agenda, marked by strong stances on immigration, defense, and governmental integrity, along with a focus on social issues that intersect with her personal experiences.