Congresswoman's Alcohol Claims Spark Heated Controversy
South Carolina Representative Nancy Mace finds herself embroiled in a contentious dispute over her alcohol consumption habits, with a former senior staff member publicly challenging her recent assertions about genetic limitations preventing drinking.
Genetic Condition Defence Meets Public Skepticism
During a Tuesday appearance on Newsmax, Mace vehemently denied allegations that she forced congressional staff members to make late-night liquor runs to supply her parties. The Republican lawmaker claimed she suffers from hemochromatosis, a genetic condition that she says makes alcohol consumption potentially fatal.
"I'm going to live the healthiest that I can be – given the genetic condition I have – and there's no reason for me to consume or buy alcohol like they were saying, because it would literally kill me," Mace declared during the interview.
Her statements came in response to a detailed New York magazine profile that portrayed her as an abusive employer whose political and personal conduct has raised concerns among colleagues and former staff members.
Former Communications Director Delivers Scathing Rebuttal
Natalie Johnson, who previously served as Mace's head of communications, responded swiftly to her former employer's claims with a series of social media posts challenging the congresswoman's version of events.
"Nancy Mace claiming she doesn't drink alcohol might be the funniest, most brazen lie she's told to date," Johnson tweeted. "The woman drank so much she'd have interns or junior staff run to Congressional Liquor during the work day so she could imbibe during telephone town halls."
Johnson supplemented her criticism with multiple photographs showing Mace holding alcoholic beverages, directly contradicting the congresswoman's assertion that her genetic condition prevents significant alcohol consumption.
Social Media Platform Adds Contextual Warning
Adding further complexity to the situation, Mace's social media post featuring a mug labeled "NOT TEQUILA" received an automated community note from the platform. The appended message stated that she had "been photographed multiple times with and/or consuming alcohol over the years, including pictures she herself has shared on her social media."
Detailed Allegations Surface in Investigative Profile
The controversy originates from political reporter Jake Lahut's comprehensive profile in New York magazine, which detailed numerous allegations about Mace's workplace conduct and personal habits.
According to the article:
- Former staffers reported being commanded to deliver liquor after midnight to sustain parties at Mace's residence
- House rules technically classify such demands as potential abuse of office
- One former employee recalled being instructed to deliver bottles of tequila at 2:00 AM
- Additional allegations suggest congressional aides were required to clean multiple properties owned by Mace
Mace categorically denied these allegations during her Newsmax appearance, stating: "Absolutely not, never in either case. Anyone who knows me, I go to bed very early. I'm almost 50. I go to bed by 8:30 or 9 every night. No one's been over to my house after midnight."
Political Context and Wider Reactions
The controversy emerges as Mace competes in South Carolina's crowded Republican gubernatorial primary, where her poll numbers have reportedly been declining. Political observers note she appears unlikely to receive Donald Trump's endorsement in the race.
Fellow lawmakers have joined the chorus of skepticism regarding Mace's claims. Democratic Representative Sean Casten offered a particularly pointed critique: "This is the kind of argument you make to a cop after you've been pulled over for erratic driving with a bunch of empties on the floor to try and talk your way out of having to take a breathalyzer test."
Political reporter Peter Hamby added context from Washington circles, noting: "'Nancy Mace doesn't drink alcohol' said no one who has ever sat in earshot of her at the Capitol Hill Club."
The congresswoman's previous admissions complicate her current position further. In a 2021 interview with The Atlantic, Mace acknowledged having a "weakness for margaritas" and discussed her preferred venues for obtaining "skinny margaritas."
As the controversy continues to develop, the conflicting narratives between Mace's current claims and both photographic evidence and previous statements create significant questions about the congresswoman's credibility during a crucial political campaign.
