Nancy Mace’s personal and political life have one thing in common—both are unpredictable, filled with twists, and never far from controversy. From becoming the first woman to graduate from The Citadel’s Corps of Cadets to navigating the turbulence of modern politics, Mace has built a career as a political wildcard.
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But while her work in Congress often makes headlines, her personal life has become just as newsworthy. After a high-profile engagement, a messy breakup, and legal disputes over multi-million-dollar properties, Mace is once again in the public eye—not just for her policies but for the personal drama that has unfolded behind the scenes.
Who Is Nancy Mace’s Husband?
Nancy Mace has been married twice before, but she is currently not married. Her first husband was Chris Niemiec, to whom she was married from 1999 to 2002. Her second husband, Curtis Jackson, was her partner from 2004 until their divorce in 2019.
The couple had two children, Miles and Ellison. Since then, Mace has not remarried, although her high-profile engagement to Patrick Bryant briefly suggested she might.
Nancy Mace’s Past Relationships and Engagement to Patrick Bryant
In May 2022, Mace announced her engagement to Patrick Bryant, a Charleston-based entrepreneur and software developer. What began as a romantic moment—captured in a surprise engagement video—quickly unraveled into a public fallout.
By December 2023, Mace announced their split with a now-infamous statement: “If your fiancé gets caught on a dating app, dump him. True story.” The comment, made during a speech in front of her Republican colleagues, fueled speculation about what had gone wrong between the couple.
Bryant denied being active on any dating apps, claiming he had only re-downloaded one to delete an old profile. But the damage was done, and their engagement was over.
The Legal Battle Over Multi-Million-Dollar Homes
The breakup didn’t just end in public jabs—it led to a battle over assets. The couple had jointly purchased a $3.9 million beachfront home in South Carolina and a $1.3 million Washington, D.C. property, both of which are now points of contention.
Reports suggest that Mace is preparing to take legal action to claim her share of the properties, while Bryant has maintained that their personal affairs should remain private.
Allegations of Abuse and Mace’s Response
In early 2024, Mace released a video revealing that she had moved into her fourth residence in a year to escape an abusive situation. Without naming names, she described being stalked, having her location shared without her consent, and dealing with break-in attempts.
Though she did not explicitly name Bryant, sources close to her claim that he was the person she was referring to. Mace’s history as an advocate for survivors of abuse adds another layer to the situation. She has previously spoken about being raped as a teenager and has cited this experience in her political work, particularly when advocating for protections for women.
Is Nancy Mace Currently in a Relationship?
Following her split with Bryant, there have been no confirmed reports of Mace being in a new relationship. While her personal life has been the subject of political gossip, she appears to be focused on her congressional career and upcoming elections.
How Mace’s Personal Life Has Impacted Her Political Career
Nancy Mace’s personal life is not just tabloid fodder; it has, at times, shaped her public persona and political trajectory. Her divorces and publicized breakup have influenced how voters and colleagues perceive her. Unlike many politicians who try to keep their personal lives out of the spotlight, Mace has often leaned into it, using moments of personal adversity as a way to connect with voters.
During her tenure in Congress, Mace has positioned herself as a political maverick. She has taken moderate stances on some social issues, advocating for exceptions to abortion bans and defending access to birth control, while simultaneously aligning with hard-right conservatives on fiscal policies and immigration. This balancing act has made her both a target and an asset within the GOP.
Her voting record reflects this unpredictability. She was one of the eight Republicans who voted to oust Speaker Kevin McCarthy, a move that left her politically isolated within her party. Despite once clashing with Donald Trump, she has since realigned herself with the former president, even hinting at interest in a potential running mate position. This ability to navigate shifting political landscapes has made her a formidable, if controversial, figure in Washington.
Office Turmoil and Ethics Concerns
In addition to personal struggles, Mace has recently faced internal turmoil within her congressional office. Reports indicate that at least six staffers have resigned in recent months, with some citing a toxic work environment. Additionally, allegations have surfaced that Mace made inappropriate comments regarding her personal life in front of junior staffers, potentially putting her at risk of a House Ethics Committee investigation if formal complaints are filed.
This comes at a time when Mace is trying to solidify her political future amid growing skepticism from both party leadership and constituents. While her ability to draw media attention has kept her relevant, the instability surrounding her personal and professional life could pose challenges for her in upcoming elections.
