Nancy Ruth Mace is an American politician and businesswoman currently serving as the U.S. Representative for South Carolina’s 1st congressional district since 2021. Born on December 4, 1977, in Fort Bragg, North Carolina, she is a member of the Republican Party and the first woman to graduate from The Citadel’s Corps of Cadets program. Known for her strong conservative values, Mace has made a mark in politics through her bold positions on key issues, her advocacy for women’s rights, and her focus on economic development in South Carolina.
In this article, we explore Nancy Mace’s early life, education, career trajectory, family, controversies, and political achievements.
Nancy Mace: Short Details
| Full Name | Nancy Ruth Mace |
|---|---|
| Born | December 4, 1977 |
| Age (as of 2025) | 47 |
| Birthplace | Fort Bragg, North Carolina, U.S. |
| Political Party | Republican |
| Current Role | U.S. Representative, South Carolina’s 1st District |
| Education | The Citadel (BS); University of Georgia (MS) |
| Height | 5 ft 7 in (1.70 m) |
| Spouses | Chris Niemiec (m. 1999; div. 2002) Curtis Jackson (m. 2004; div. 2019) |
| Children | 2 |
| Net Worth | Estimated $5 million (2025) |
Early Life and Education
Nancy Mace was born into a military family, with her father, Brigadier General James Emory Mace, serving in the United States Army. Her upbringing instilled discipline and a strong sense of patriotism. Raised in Goose Creek, South Carolina, Mace excelled academically and later made history as the first woman to graduate from The Citadel’s Corps of Cadets program in 1999. Her experience at The Citadel was detailed in her book, In the Company of Men: A Woman at The Citadel.
Mace went on to earn a Master’s degree in journalism and mass communication from the University of Georgia, furthering her skills in communication and public relations.
Career Before Politics
Mace founded The Mace Group in 2008, a public relations and consulting firm. She co-owned the political news website FITSNews, which covered South Carolina politics, before selling her stake in 2013. Her early career included volunteering for the Ron Paul presidential campaign in 2012, which ignited her interest in public service and conservative politics.
Political Career
South Carolina House of Representatives (2018–2020)
Nancy Mace began her political career in 2018, representing the 99th district in the South Carolina House of Representatives. During her tenure, she championed:
- Prison reform: Advocating for the humane treatment of pregnant women in prisons.
- Environmental protection: Co-sponsoring legislation against offshore drilling.
- Women’s rights: Introducing exceptions for rape and incest in abortion legislation, a deeply personal issue for her as a survivor of sexual assault.
U.S. House of Representatives (2021–Present)
Mace was elected to represent South Carolina’s 1st congressional district in 2020. She focused on economic development, veterans’ issues, and coastal protection.
Key Legislative Initiatives:
- Preventing Animal Abuse and Waste (PAAW) Act: Aimed at eliminating painful experiments on dogs and cats.
- Reinvesting in Shoreline Economies and Ecosystems Act: Advocating for the allocation of federal offshore wind power revenues to coastal restoration projects.
- States Reform Act: A proposal to legalize and regulate cannabis at the federal level.
Mace is known for her independent approach to governance, occasionally breaking from party lines on issues like abortion and LGBTQ+ rights.
Family and Personal Life
Nancy Mace has been married twice and is a mother of two children. She resides on Daniel Island in Charleston, South Carolina. Despite her demanding political career, Mace is known for her dedication to family values and community service.
| Family Member | Role |
|---|---|
| Chris Niemiec | First husband (divorced) |
| Curtis Jackson | Second husband (divorced) |
| Children | Two children |
Net Worth and Financial Overview
Mace’s estimated net worth in 2025 is $5 million, derived from her consulting firm, political career, and book royalties.
| Net Worth (2025) | $5 million |
|---|---|
| Primary Income Source | Public relations, Congressional salary |
| Additional Income | Book royalties, speaking engagements |
Lesser-Known Facts About Nancy Mace
- She was the first woman to graduate from The Citadel’s Corps of Cadets.
- Her book In the Company of Men chronicles her groundbreaking journey at The Citadel.
- Mace is a survivor of sexual assault, which shaped her stance on abortion exceptions.
- She has been a vocal advocate for marijuana legalization and criminal justice reform.
- Mace’s home was vandalized with political graffiti in 2021, drawing national attention.
- She supports environmental conservation and opposes offshore drilling.
- Mace co-owned a political news website before entering politics.
- She has introduced cybersecurity legislation under the “MACE Act,” modernizing job requirements.
- Mace is known for her sharp rebukes against political opponents, both within and outside her party.
- She has supported LGBTQ+ veterans through specific legislative proposals.
FAQs About Nancy Mace
Q: What is Nancy Mace known for?
A: Nancy Mace is known for being the first woman to graduate from The Citadel’s Corps of Cadets and her role as a U.S. Representative for South Carolina.
Q: Where does Nancy Mace live?
A: Nancy Mace lives on Daniel Island in Charleston, South Carolina.
Q: What are Nancy Mace’s views on abortion?
A: While pro-life, Mace supports exceptions for rape, incest, and the life of the mother.
Q: Has Nancy Mace written a book?
A: Yes, her book In the Company of Men details her experience at The Citadel.
Q: What is Nancy Mace’s stance on marijuana?
A: She supports federal legalization and regulation of marijuana.
Q: Is Nancy Mace married?
A: Nancy Mace is currently divorced and has two children.
Q: What legislation has Nancy Mace introduced?
A: Notable bills include the PAAW Act and the States Reform Act.
Conclusion
Nancy Mace has carved out a unique position in American politics as a conservative trailblazer with an independent streak. Her focus on women’s rights, environmental conservation, and criminal justice reform underscores her commitment to serving her constituents and advancing pragmatic policies.
This article is based on publicly available information and is intended for informational purposes only. Readers are encouraged to verify details independently.
