Nancy Mace jokes her ‘revenge’ on Trump is joining unemployment line after crushing primary loss

COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA: Rep Nancy Mace took a swipe at President Donald Trump after her disappointing finish in South Carolina's Republican gubernatorial primary, joking that her "revenge" would be joining the nation's unemployment rolls when her congressional term ends.

The South Carolina Republican made the remark Thursday on X after finishing fifth in Tuesday's gubernatorial primary race.

Trump had endorsed Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, who advanced to a June 23 runoff against state Attorney General Alan Wilson.

Nancy Mace jokes about unemployment after Trump-backed candidate advances

Mace said she had been asked whether she planned to "get revenge on Trump" for allegedly "ending" her political career.

"The answer is yes," she wrote. "I'll be adding to the unemployment number in January."

While the comment was clearly tongue-in-cheek, it indicated the political blow she suffered after failing to gain traction in the gubernatorial contest.

Mace has since indicated that she plans to leave politics when her congressional term expires in January 2027 and return to the private sector.

Before entering public office, she founded a public relations firm and worked in local news.

Nancy Mace vows to be ‘more of a menace than ever’

The congresswoman later responded to a social media post from comedian and actor Rob Schneider, making clear she has no intention of quietly serving out the remainder of her term.

"Don't worry sir, I promise to be more of a menace than ever," Mace wrote. "There is nothing to hold me back."

Mace has represented South Carolina's 1st Congressional District since January 2021 and became the first Republican woman ever elected to Congress from the state.

Throughout her time in Washington, she has frequently broken with fellow Republicans and built a reputation as one of the party's more independent voices.

Nancy Mace says she stood on principle over Jeffrey Epstein files

One issue that has put Mace at odds with some Republicans is her push for greater transparency regarding files tied to convicted financier Jeffrey Epstein.

She was among four Republicans who signed a discharge petition to force a House vote on the Epstein Files Transparency Act and has repeatedly called on the Justice Department to release all records related to Epstein.

In March, she also introduced a resolution seeking to subpoena former Attorney General Pam Bondi as part of a congressional probe into the matter.

Following her primary defeat, Mace suggested her stance may have come with political consequences.

Mace, who has previously spoken about being a survivor of abuse, said Tuesday that she "chose to stand on principle" on the Epstein issue, even if it cost her political support.