In a surprising move, Republican Congresswoman Nancy Mace from South Carolina has endorsed former President Donald Trump for the 2024 presidential race, despite her previous criticism of him for inciting the mob attack on Congress. Mace, who came to Congress in 2021, expressed her belief that it is time for Republicans to unite behind Trump, stating that the country needs to reverse the damage done by President Joe Biden.
This endorsement may be seen as a slight to fellow South Carolina Republican Nikki Haley, who is also vying for the GOP's presidential nomination. The Republican primary field has recently narrowed, with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis dropping out of the race and endorsing Trump.
Mace's change of heart is notable, considering her initial condemnation of Trump's role in the Capitol riot on January 6th, where she stated that his entire legacy was wiped out. However, like many other Republicans, Mace seems to have made peace with Trump's use of political violence, despite his indictment for his attempts to overturn the election results.
Mace's endorsement suggests that she no longer believes the Capitol riot erased Trump's legacy, and she believes that his record in his first term is vital for the future of the country. This move highlights the ongoing divisions within the Republican Party and the influence that Trump still holds over many members.