Nancy Mace beats McCarthy-backed challenger in South Carolina primary, vows to drive former Speaker 'crazy'

WASHINGTON, DC: Rep Nancy Mace (R-SC) secured a decisive victory over her Republican primary challenger on Tuesday, June 11, dealing a blow to former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, who has been opposing House Republicans involved in his ousting.

Mace trounced Catherine Templeton, leading by nearly 30 percentage points with 40% of the expected vote counted in South Carolina’s 1st Congressional District.

While campaigning on Tuesday, she declared, "I hope to embarrass him tonight. I want to send him back to the rock he’s living under right now. He’s not part of America. He doesn’t know what hard-working Americans go through every single day. I hope I drive Kevin McCarthy crazy."

Nancy Mace's win follows 'HEC' review of her Washington townhouse reimbursement program

Mace's victory comes just days after the House Ethics Committee began reviewing a reimbursement program she implemented regarding her townhouse in Washington, DC, as per Mediaite.

According to an anonymous source cited by the New York Times, a change to House rules that went into effect in 2023 allows members to be reimbursed for lodging and food expenses while on official business in Washington, up to $34,000 annually. Although lawmakers are not required to submit receipts, they are strongly encouraged to keep them for their records.

The Committee on House Administration reported that Mace was repaid over $23,000 in lodging costs in 2023. Documents reviewed by the New York Times revealed that these expenses included insurance, taxes, and other monthly bills related to her townhouse.

Lawmakers who own homes in the Washington area are prohibited from seeking reimbursement for mortgage payments.

Mace was among the eight Republicans who voted to remove McCarthy from speakership in October 2023 after Rep Matt Gaetz (R-FL) initiated a motion to vacate, prompting a House vote on his removal. McCarthy resigned from the House in December.

Former President Donald Trump, who endorsed Mace, celebrated her victory with a post on Truth Social, highlighting her success and support from his base.

Internet reacts to Nancy Mace's victory in South Carolina GOP primary

One wrote, "Congrats to @NancyMace!" and another said, "Mccarthy never kept his promises. I'm glad he's gone."

"We're done with RINO's!" declared a person, while someone else remarked, "I don't agree with her on everything but she sticks to her guns and tries to do what she thinks is right... good on her." 

"She voted to hold Bannon in contempt, but in his interview with Tucker today, Bannon said he wished her luck in the race. He said he thinks she's learned a lot since her vote. If McCarthy is against her, that speaks volumes," shared an individual. 

One of her supporters noted, "Love some Mace!!!! Continue making us Proud!"

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.