SC’s Mace called for a woman on the GOP ticket. Here’s what she thinks of Trump’s pick of Vance
U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace, R-Isle of Palms, said she thinks Ohio U.S. Sen. J.D. Vance will be helpful to former President Trump in November, even though she called for woman to be on the ticket.
In a Zoom call with reporters Wednesday ahead of her speech at the Republican National Convention, Mace said Vance’s story of growing up poor in Ohio, whose mother was a drug addict and father rarely around, but eventually going to Yale University and being elected a senator can only happen in the United States.
Mace’s remarks came on the same night Vance was set to accept the GOP nomination for vice president.
Mace, who represents the Lowcountry 1st Congressional District, said Vance could help Trump do well in Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin — states Democrats are focusing on protecting to keep the White House.
Mace represents the one congressional district in South Carolina that is closest to being a toss up even though it is drawn in favor of Republicans. Mace is running against Democrat Michael B. Moore in November’s election.
Vance, who is only 39, brings a lot of energy and is a good communicator, Mace said.
“The other thing that I think that is an advantage with independent, right of center, moderate voters is that as smart as he is, he doesn’t come off as elitist,” Mace said. “He actually talks about things in a very logical, pragmatic, common sense way and makes it okay that, if even if you’re not MAGA, it’s okay to be a part of the Republican Party because of the way he speaks about issues and policy as welcoming a lot of people and I think that’s really important that we have someone who can share a message in a way that independents can get on board with.”
Mace, who helped on Trump’s campaign in 2016, was critical of him after Jan. 6. Trump endorsed Mace’s primary opponent in 2022, but Mace was re-elected.
But Mace and Trump are now back on the same page. Trump backed Mace again in this year’s primary, after she received a challenge from Catherine Templeton.
Mace was asked to speak by Trump last week, and after the assassination attempt on the former president, Mace removed references to President Joe Biden from her speech amid calls to tone down the political rhetoric.
“This is a moment and to be on the stage tonight during this historical time, given the tragic incident that happened over the weekend. This moment calls for unity around the country,” Mace said. “I just think it’s really important that we understand the gravity of this moment.”
Mace also used the speech to introduce herself to some degree, pointing to how she was the first woman to graduate from The Citadel and how she is a single mother and rape survivor.
“To women who can relate, please know you have a friend and a sister in me and I will fight like hell for you,” Mace said.
Mace spoke on a night where the them was “Make America Strong Once Again” and part of remarks focused on how China has sent weapons to Iran, supports Russia and oppresses dissidents.
“We can never project strength around the world when weakness stands in the White House,” Mace said in her speech. “The world is watching America, and we must show them what we’re made of. I know a strong leader when I see one. Donald Trump stood up to China before, and he will do it again.”
