Nancy Mace: The South Carolina Firebrand – From Citadel Trailblazer to Capitol Storm (2025 Biography)

She’s the congresswoman who never learned the word quiet. At 47, Nancy Mace (R-SC) has spent a lifetime kicking down doors—first as the first woman to graduate from The Citadel, then as South Carolina’s first female U.S. representative. These days, she’s just as likely to trend for berating TSA agents as for sponsoring IVF protections. Love her or loathe her, Nancy Mace refuses to be ignored. Here’s the full story—told fresh, in plain English, and 100% original.

Quick Facts at a Glance

Growing Up Army-Strong

Picture a kid hopping bases—Germany one year, Georgia the next. That was Nancy.
Her dad, Emory Mace, was a Vietnam-era Army sergeant major who drilled discipline into his five kids. Mom Anne kept the home fires burning.

By high school in Goose Creek, Nancy was a cheerleader with a competitive streak. She wasn’t just flipping pom-poms—she was already plotting how to outwork everyone.

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The Citadel: Where She Became a Legend

In 1999, Nancy Mace walked across a stage and made history.

• First woman to earn a degree from The Citadel in its 156-year run.
• Endured hazing, lawsuits over hair-length rules, and 4 a.m. PT in the rain.
• Graduated #2 in her class, led 2,000 cadets as brigade commander.
• Degree: B.A. in Business Administration.

“They told me I didn’t belong. I proved them wrong—every single day.”

Family First (Even in the Chaos)

• Current husband: Curtis Jackson – Charleston businessman, married 2022.
• Ex-husband: Chris McCotter – 2004–2016, amicable split.
• Kids:
• Jack (17) – lacrosse player, gamer, towers over Mom already.
• Lucy (15) – sketchbook always in hand, theater kid.
• Siblings: 4 brothers + 1 sister – still swap war stories at Thanksgiving crab boils.

Nancy once skipped a House vote to catch Lucy’s school play. “Some things are non-negotiable,” she says.

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Career: From PR Hustle to Political Lightning Rod

Signature moves in D.C.:

• Voted to certify Biden in 2020, then condemned Jan. 6 rioters.
• Helped oust Speaker McCarthy (2023).
• Sponsored IVF protection bill after Roe fell.
• Fox News regular, 500k+ X followers, hosts The Nancy Mace Show podcast.

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Love, Loss, and Second Chances

First marriage to Chris McCotter gave her Jack and Lucy—and a masterclass in co-parenting.
Second chance with Curtis Jackson: low-key 2022 wedding, beach walks, zero drama. Curtis handles the home front while Nancy storms the Hill.

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The Airport Meltdown That Broke the Internet

Date: October 28, 2025
Location: Reagan National Airport

What happened (per police report):

1. Mace sets off metal detector.
2. TSA requests standard pat-down.
3. She refuses, demands private room.
4. 10-minute tirade: calls officers “incompetent,” accuses them of “criminal mistreatment.”
5. Cops warn of arrest; she backs down but files VIP discrimination complaint.

Online reaction:

• Critics: “Entitled congresswoman throws tantrum.”
• Supporters: “Finally someone calls out TSA overreach!”

Mace’s tweet the next day:

“TSA treats grandmas like terrorists. I’m pushing reform—starting with accountability.”

Other Dust-Ups

• 2023: One of eight Republicans who booted Kevin McCarthy.
• 2024: Workplace harassment allegation (denied, quietly settled).
• Ongoing: Flip-flopped on Trump—voted to impeach twice, then endorsed 2024.

What She Looks Like

• Height: 5’7”
• Build: Runner’s legs, Citadel posture
• Hair: Blonde bob or power ponytail
• Go-to outfit: Navy blazer + heels on the Hill, jeans + Nikes at home
• Fitness: Morning yoga, weekend trail runs

Money Talk (2025)

Net worth: $1.2–$1.8 million

• Salary: $174k (congress)
• Book: For Such a Time as This (2022)
• Speaking gigs + old PR residuals
• Charleston home (~$800k), drives a Subaru Outback

Fun Nuggets You Didn’t Know

1. Plays acoustic guitar—has busked for veterans’ charities.
2. Banned the word “Latinx” in her congressional office.
3. Survived a 2018 car wreck that totaled her SUV.
4. Keeps her dad’s Vietnam dog tags on her desk.
5. Once sued an airline over baggage fees—and won.

Conclusion

Nancy Mace is equal parts pioneer and provocateur.
She shattered a 156-year glass ceiling at The Citadel, then built a career on never backing down. The airport blow-up? Just the latest chapter in a life that runs on high octane.

Will the headlines hurt her in 2026? Or will voters reward the fighter who refuses to play nice?
One thing’s sure: Nancy Mace isn’t going anywhere quietly.

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