Campaign adviser resigns, alleging betrayal of MAGA ideals by Mace.

A campaign strategist for Representative Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) declared on Monday that he is leaving her team, accusing her of abandoning former President Trumps priorities. Austin McCubbin took to the social platform X to state that Mace has shifted her allegiance away from the MAGA movement toward the faction aligned with Senators Rand Paul and Thomas Massie, who have been critical of Trump.

McCubbin explained that last month, the Protect Freedom PAC, associated with Rand Paul, began spending funds in support of Mace without his prior knowledge. I assumed it was purely independent activity, he noted. However, after a recent conversation with Mace, he claims she indicated she is personally directing a friend to contribute a seven-figure donation to Rand Pauls PAC, aligning herself financially with the Paul-Massie wing of the party.

Having previously managed Trumps South Carolina political operations in 2024 and served as an advisor to Mace, McCubbin said that when he tried to warn her about the risks of this approach, she dismissed his concerns and implied he was mansplaining.

A representative for Maces campaign countered, suggesting McCubbins statements were motivated by financial disputes. According to the spokesperson, McCubbin had not contributed to fundraising efforts and allegedly demanded $10,000 per month for his services. When his request was denied, he went public on X. The spokesperson reaffirmed Maces loyalty to Trump, emphasizing her record of support and quoting McCubbin himself saying she would be the most pro-Trump and America First Governor in the country.

Mace is currently competing in a crowded Republican primary for South Carolina governor to succeed term-limited Governor Henry McMaster (R). Her opponents include Attorney General Alan Wilson, Representative Ralph Norman, State Senator Josh Kimbrell, and Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette. The Republican primary winner is widely expected to prevail in next years general election, though Trump has not yet endorsed a candidate.

Throughout her career, Mace has gained recognition for challenging her partys leadership. Notably, in 2023, she joined a group of Republicans to remove then-House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) from his position. She has also supported a discharge petition on legislation requiring the Justice Department to release information related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, a measure that passed quickly after Trump expressed support.

Author: Sophia Brooks