Full Breakdown
Nancy Mace Vows “Revenge” on Donald Trump by Joining Unemployment Rolls After Primary Defeat
6/13/2026, 1:49:47 AM
Primary Loss and the “Revenge” Quip
On June 9, 2026, Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) finished fifth in South Carolina’s crowded Republican gubernatorial primary. In a post-primary X message she answered repeated questions about retaliation against President Donald Trump, stating, “The answer is yes. I’ll be adding to the unemployment number in January.” The comment frames her upcoming departure from Congress in January 2027 as a deliberate jab at Trump, who had declined to endorse her.
Political Background and the Trump Endorsement
Mace, first elected to the U.S. House in 2020 and the state’s first Republican woman in Congress, previously served as a state representative and as a field director for Trump’s 2016 campaign. In the 2026 governor’s race, Trump publicly backed Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette, who advanced to a June 23 runoff against Attorney General Alan Wilson. Mace’s office did not respond to requests for comment on the endorsement decision.
Epstein Files Advocacy and Party Rift
Mace’s push for full disclosure of the Jeffrey Epstein investigation placed her at odds with Trump and other party leaders. She co-signed a discharge petition with Rep. Thomas Massie and former Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene to force a House vote on the Epstein Files Transparency Act, and she introduced a resolution to subpoena former Attorney General Pam Bondi. Trump’s refusal to support the three lawmakers was linked by sources to their advocacy on the files.
Timeline of the Gubernatorial Race
- June 9, 2026 – South Carolina Republican primary; Mace places fifth.
- June 11, 2026 – Mace posts “revenge” comment on X.
- June 23, 2026 – Runoff between Evette and Wilson scheduled.
- January 2027 – Mace’s congressional term expires; she plans to leave the public sector.
Data & Statistics
- Primary placement: fifth-place finish (some outlets describe it as last).
- Congressional service: Jan 2021 – Jan 2027 (two full terms).
- First Republican woman elected to Congress from South Carolina.
- Four Republicans, including Mace, signed the discharge petition for the Epstein Files Transparency Act.
- Mace’s term ends in January 2027, at which point she would join the national unemployment rolls.
Official Statements & Responses
Mace’s X posts framed the “revenge” as a tongue-in-cheek promise to “be more of a menace than ever” and emphasized her principle-driven stance on the Epstein files. Trump’s campaign issued no direct statement, but a Trump operative confirmed that Mace sought an endorsement, which Trump denied, opting instead for Evette. No formal response from the South Carolina Republican Party was reported.
Criticism & Opposition
Trump’s decision to withhold endorsement was portrayed by allies as a consequence of Mace’s dissent on the Epstein issue and her public opposition to the administration’s handling of the case. The loss of primary support for both Mace and fellow dissenters Massie and Greene underscores intra-party tensions.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on Mace’s exact primary ranking: some describe her finish as fifth, others as last. Additionally, while Mace announced plans to return to the private sector, the specific post-Congressional role remains unspecified.
Verbatim Quotes
- “People keep asking me: 'Will you get revenge on Trump for ending your political career?' The answer is yes. I'll be adding to the unemployment number in January,” — Nancy Mace, X post
- “Don’t worry sir, I promise to be more of a menace than ever.” — Nancy Mace, X post
- “Never thought I’d get my Congressional send-off from Deuce Bigalow,” — Nancy Mace, X post
- “Mace, who has said she is a survivor of sexual assault, said on Tuesday that she “chose to stand on principle” on the Epstein case, even if it cost her political support.” — Nancy Mace, X post
What’s Next
The Evette-Wilson runoff will determine South Carolina’s Republican nominee, while Mace will complete her House term and exit in January 2027. Her departure may shift the balance of the House Oversight Committee and highlights the ongoing friction between Trump-aligned Republicans and independent voices within the party.
