Rep. Nancy Mace Accuses Ex-Fiancé of Abuse in House Speech

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Rep. Nancy Mace Accuses Ex-Fiancé of Abuse in House Speech \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) used an hour-long speech on the House floor to accuse her ex-fiancé, Charleston businessman Patrick Bryant, of physical abuse, non-consensual recordings, and involvement in sexual crimes. Mace claims South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson ignored evidence she provided, a charge Wilson denies. The speech comes as Mace considers a 2026 run for governor, potentially setting up a political showdown with Wilson. Several Republican colleagues, including Lauren Boebert and Anna Paulina Luna, stood by Mace in support.

Nancy Mace’s Allegations: Quick Looks

Mace Goes Public: Accuses ex-fiancé Patrick Bryant of abuse and non-consensual recordings.
House Floor Speech: Claims four men were involved in a wider conspiracy of sexual misconduct.
Attorney General Called Out: Says Alan Wilson ignored evidence; his office denies her claims.
Unusual Legal Protection: Speech delivered under Congress’ “speech or debate” clause.
Political Implications: Mace is considering a 2026 run for governor, likely against Wilson.
Republican Support: Reps. Lauren Boebert and Anna Paulina Luna stood behind her during speech.
Personal History: Mace previously spoke out about past sexual assault in 2019.

Deep Look

Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) made explosive allegations on the House floor Monday, accusing her ex-fiancé, Charleston businessman Patrick Bryant, of physical abuse, recording non-consensual sex acts, and conspiring with others in sexual crimes. In an hour-long speech, Mace claimed that in November 2023, she uncovered evidence of heinous crimes against women, including rape, exploitation, and the secret filming of women and underage girls.

Her accusations not only targeted Bryant but also implicated three other men, though she did not name them. Mace alleged that South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson failed to act on evidence she provided, raising questions about potential political and legal conflicts.

Mace’s Claims and the Evidence She Presented

Mace described stumbling upon damning evidence last November, which she said included:

Non-consensual videos and photos of women and underage girls.
Sexual exploitation and acts of rape.
Coordinated efforts among multiple men to target women.

Her speech was delivered under the “speech or debate” clause of the U.S. Constitution, which protects lawmakers from legal repercussions for statements made on the House floor.

“I accidentally uncovered some of the most heinous crimes against women imaginable,” Mace declared. “We’re talking about rape, non-consensual photos, non-consensual videos of women and underage girls, and the premeditated, calculated exploitation of women and girls in my district.”

Patrick Bryant Denies the Allegations

Mace’s ex-fiancé, Patrick Bryant, denied all accusations in a statement to the Associated Press, saying,
“I categorically deny these allegations. I take this matter seriously and will cooperate fully with any necessary legal processes to clear my name.”

Bryant, a well-known Charleston businessman, had been actively involved in Mace’s 2022 reelection campaign, even going door-to-door to support her candidacy.

South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson’s Response

Mace directly criticized South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson, accusing him of delaying or ignoring an investigation into Bryant and others despite her presenting him with photo and video evidence.

“Did South Carolina’s attorney general have any of these predators indicted after being provided clear cut-and-dry evidence, including video, photos, and witnesses?” Mace asked during her speech.

Wilson’s office rejected Mace’s claims, stating:
“Her comments regarding the prosecutor’s conduct are categorically false. Our office has not received any reports or requests for assistance from any law enforcement or prosecution agencies regarding these matters.”

Political Stakes: Mace vs. Wilson in 2026?

Mace’s accusations against Wilson carry major political implications, as she is considering a run for South Carolina governor in 2026. If she enters the race, she would likely face Wilson in the Republican primary, making her allegations a potential campaign issue.

Mace, 47, is serving her third term in Congress and has positioned herself as a rising star in the GOP, despite occasionally clashing with party leadership. If she runs for governor, she will likely face a competitive Republican field, where Wilson’s role as state attorney general could be a factor in her campaign messaging.

Mace’s Past Advocacy on Sexual Assault Issues

Mace’s decision to speak out publicly follows her history of advocating for sexual assault survivors. In 2019, she shared her own story of surviving a sexual assault that occurred more than two decades earlier. She used that experience to advocate for rape and incest exceptions in South Carolina abortion laws.

During her Monday speech, she noted that she has worked on multiple bills aimed at protecting women, including:

Legislation against voyeurism.
Proposals banning transgender women from using women’s bathrooms at the U.S. Capitol.

House Republicans Rally Around Mace

Mace’s speech was delivered with the visible support of several Republican colleagues, including Reps. Lauren Boebert (R-CO) and Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL), who stood behind her throughout the remarks.

Boebert later told reporters:
“Nancy Mace is our friend, and we wanted to support her and give her the encouragement she needed to get that message out.”

Trump’s Role in Mace’s Political Career

Mace has had a complicated relationship with former President Donald Trump.

She worked for Trump’s 2016 campaign but later criticized his actions following the January 6th Capitol riot.
Trump endorsed her primary opponent in 2022, but Mace still won reelection.
In 2024, Trump endorsed Mace for another term, indicating a repaired political alliance.

Given Trump’s continued influence over Republican primaries, his backing could be crucial if Mace runs for governor in 2026.

What Happens Next?

The fallout from Mace’s allegations is far from over. Several key questions remain:

Will law enforcement reopen investigations into Bryant and the other men she accused?
Will Alan Wilson face political consequences if he runs for governor in 2026?
Will Mace’s decision to go public on the House floor shield her from legal consequences?
How will this impact her standing in the Republican Party?

While Mace declined further comment to reporters after her speech, she stated she was “at peace” with her decision to speak out.

As legal, political, and public scrutiny intensifies, this controversy could reshape South Carolina’s political landscape and further define Mace’s future in Republican politics.