Standing For South Carolina
Thank you South Carolina. What a year. What an election. And what an honor it is to stand here serving you.
Ever since I first ran for office, I’ve puzzled everyone from the media to my Washington colleagues. They want to know “whose side is Nancy Mace on?”
Many in Washington could never dream outside the false dichotomy of right versus left. But as is often the case, the simplest explanation is usually the correct one: I am on your side.
In a time when our nation feels divided, my pastor reminded us Sunday that politics doesn’t define who we are. Our values define who we are. And God transcends ALL politics.
Joel 2:13
God is eager to offer second chances and not punish people who seek forgiveness for their sins
I shouldn’t be standing here tonight.
At the age of 17, I learned that dropping out of high school was not the best idea.
So, I took my first job at a fine-dining establishment, some of you may know as the Waffle House.
Denny’s was a little too high brow.
While Waffle House was an important part of my journey, it would not be my destination.
I soon went from making waffles to making history.
25 years ago this high school dropout became the first woman to graduate from The Citadel.
A college campus where we don’t BURN American flags… we SALUTE them!
As many times as I have fallen, and I’ve tripped a lot. But God never gave up on me. My family never gave up on me. And I never gave up on me.
God has given me many second chances.
I am standing here as proof that by the grace of God, if you have a dream, the American Dream, we can stand tall and be what God gave us purpose to be.
So my gratitude tonight goes to God, my gratitude tonight goes to my family and my gratitude goes to the people of South Carolina.
To my family — Mom, Dad, Curtis, Miles, Elli, Mary, John — your love and encouragement mean everything to me.
I’d also like to thank my incredible team: Doug, April, Jamie, Sydney, Chelsea, Sean, Susan, Clare, Gabby, Natalie, Noah, Alexa, Lisa, Mia, RJ, Jon, Elliot, and Jacob.
And to our volunteers— Becky, Lauren, Beaufort Billy, Angelina, Carlton, Lynne, Darin, Steve, Ken, Dante, Ray, Maryann, John, all of the Lisa’s, Francis, both Katie’s, Chris, and Maisie — thank you for all the calls, texts and doors you knocked, 50k.
Each of you helped put me on this stage tonight.
I’m a rape survivor and recent survivor of domestic abuse. Recently diagnosed with PTSD.
Forgiveness does not mean we forfeit justice.
Romans 12:19
Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.
To women who can relate, please know you have a friend and a sister in me.
And I will fight like HELL for you!
The radical left believes strong, intelligent women can’t possibly be independent-minded conservatives, that our husbands tell us how to vote, and any woman who doesn’t agree with them must be weak or misguided.
But they don’t know what it’s like to work twice as hard for half the credit.
Those who underestimate me, don’t bother me; it just makes me work harder; it also just makes victory so much sweeter.
I am going back to Washington to stand with South Carolina in my heart.
We’re going to secure our border, take back what it means to be a woman, and fight for our country.
I will stand resolute against all those who would leave us lawless, self-serving and short-sighted. I will stand in their way and tell them HELL NO.
And to anyone who wants to take a shot at me— you better not miss.
To those who aim to divide us– you are outnumbered.
When I think about the world my children will inherit, I aim to be a giant, standing tall to inspire the next generation to do more than any of us could ever imagine.
Now, it is time to get back to work.
While I will seek common ground – I will never compromise my values or my duty to the people of South Carolina.
I often joke I don’t have any friends in Washington—and it’s not really a joke. Washington is very lonely.
People call me names, make threats, and try to take me down. But they will not succeed, because my loyalty has always been clear.
I’m not in Washington to make friends; I’m there to serve you.
I won’t stop, I won’t be intimidated, and I won’t back down.
Whether you’re Democrat, Republican, or somewhere in between, if you’re dishonest, I’m holding you accountable.
Ecclesiastes 4:12
“A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.”
The world is watching America, and we must show them what we’re made of.
We will be courageous –
We will be united –
We will be resilient –
and we will be PREPARED to take on the challenges of this moment.
I have spent my time in Congress working tirelessly for you. Serving the Lowcountry is the honor of my life. I
To the Lowcountry, and to all of South Carolina, thank you for your trust. I promise to make you proud.
God bless the Lowcountry, God bless South Carolina, and God bless the United States of America.
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