WASHINGTON — The House Ethics Committee has launched a formal investigation into Representative Nancy Mace (R-SC) following allegations that she overcharged the federal government for housing expenses. The probe centers on nearly $9,500 in reimbursements the South Carolina Republican allegedly received in excess of her actual costs for her Washington, D.C., residence.
The investigation, confirmed by the committee on Monday, stems from a referral by the Office of Congressional Conduct (OCC). According to the OCC’s findings, there is “substantial reason to believe” that Mace engaged in improper reimbursement practices involving a program designed to help lawmakers manage the cost of maintaining two homes.
Key Findings of the OCC Report
The nonpartisan watchdog group analyzed Mace’s filings under the House housing reimbursement program. This program allows members to claim subsidies for lodging, utilities, and taxes while on official business in the capital. Unlike traditional per diems, the program has faced criticism for its lack of rigorous documentation requirements.
The OCC report detailed several discrepancies:
- Excess Claims: In 2023 and 2024, Mace allegedly sought reimbursements that exceeded her actual monthly housing bills in at least 12 separate months.
- The Total: The investigation identifies $9,485.46 in overpayments.
- Co-Ownership Conflict: Mace reportedly sought these funds for a $1.6 million Capitol Hill townhouse she co-owned with her then-fiancé, Patrick Bryant.
“If Rep. Mace engaged in improper reimbursement practices, then she may have violated House rules, standards of conduct, and federal law,” the OCC report stated.
Mace’s Defense: Claims of Retaliation
Mace has vehemently denied any wrongdoing. Her legal counsel, William Sullivan, described the OCC report as “fundamentally flawed” in a letter to the ethics panel.
The defense argues that the investigation is the product of a personal vendetta. Sullivan suggested the narrative was “influenced by Rep. Mace’s former fiancé,” pointing to a “documented history of abusive and retaliatory conduct” by Bryant toward the Congresswoman. Mace’s team asserts that Bryant controlled the financial records and generated the documentation her staff used for filings, making her a victim of manipulated data.
Political Stakes in South Carolina
The ethics probe comes at a critical juncture for Mace. The Congresswoman is not seeking reelection to her House seat; instead, she is currently the frontrunner in a high-stakes GOP primary for Governor of South Carolina.
Opponents in the gubernatorial race, including Attorney General Alan Wilson and Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette, have already begun to capitalize on the news. Critics argue the investigation reinforces a narrative of “disorder” within Mace’s camp, while her supporters maintain the probe is a “smear campaign” timed to derail her momentum ahead of the June primary.
What’s Next for the Investigation
The House Ethics Committee emphasized that the start of a review “does not itself indicate that any violation has occurred.” Under Committee Rule 18(a), the panel will now move into a second phase of review to gather additional evidence and testimony.
If the committee finds evidence of a violation, Mace could face penalties ranging from a formal reprimand to a fine. Given the timeline of the June 9, 2026, primary, the speed of the committee’s findings could play a decisive role in the future of the South Carolina executive branch.
