Rep. Nancy Mace of South Carolina has endorsed former President Donald Trump, despite a massive polling lead and a blowout win in Iowa. However, Trump is not yet the party’s nominee, and former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley is set to face him in a one-on-one matchup in the New Hampshire primary. Mace could have stumped for Haley, who campaigned on Mace’s behalf when she faced a Trump-backed primary challenger in 2022.
Mace’s prior criticism of Trump, particularly after the January 6 insurrection, led to her criticism of Trump. She praised Haley throughout the primary, but ultimately, political calculations may have won the day. Mace believes that Donald Trump’s record in his first term should tell every America how vital it is for him to be returned to office.
Mace may face another primary challenge from her own former chief of staff, who has grown tired of her antics, particularly after joining seven other Republicans in voting to oust Kevin McCarthy from the speakership. She also faces a Democratic opponent who is seeking to capitalize on her antics, including wearing a “scarlet letter” on her shirt in October to make a point about how she would be “demonized” for her vote to oust McCarthy.
In summary, Mace may need all the help she can get in the coming months, with her best hope being that Trump will return the favour and endorse her.
