In a twist of political fate, U.S. Rep. Sarah McBride found herself on the giving end of a humorous jab at Nancy Mace’s expense. The South Carolina Republican gubernatorial primary resulted in a surprising defeat for Mace, who ended up in fifth place. This outcome provided McBride with an opportunity to respond to years of targeted rhetoric from Mace, all centered around transgender rights.
McBride, the first out trans member of Congress, has been a frequent target of Mace’s anti-trans efforts since her election in. Mace’s campaign to restrict transgender access to bathrooms and other gendered spaces in federal buildings often invoked McBride’s name. The rivalry even led to a peculiar incident where Mace chased a cisgender colleague into a Capitol restroom, mistaking her for McBride.
McBride’s Clever Retort at Pride Gala
At Equality PAC’s National Pride Gala in Washington, D.C, McBride delivered a witty speech that had the audience in stitches. She referred to Mace as “Congress’s top bathroom sheriff” and noted her “respectful fifth place” finish in the primary. McBride concluded her remarks with a simple yet powerful statement: “So all I will say is happy Pride, Nancy.”
The audience, which had previously booed Mace’s name, rose to their feet in a standing ovation. McBride’s speech was a rare moment of political role reversal, where she got the last laugh in a long-standing feud. The reaction came shortly after South Carolina Republicans dealt a significant blow to Mace’s political ambitions.
The Rise and Fall of Nancy Mace’s Political Career
Once considered a rising star within the GOP, Mace’s campaign was marked by controversy and feuds with fellow Republicans. Her unsuccessful effort to secure President Donald Trump’s endorsement further hampered her chances. Mace’s defeat quickly spread online, with social media users drawing comparisons between her and anti-trans activist Riley Gaines, who also tied for fifth place in a collegiate swimming competition involving transgender swimmer Lia Thomas.
Before taking the stage, McBride reposted a viral message that read, “Conservative woman who placed 5th,” above images of Mace and Gaines. She added a brief comment of her own, reposting the message with “thoughts and prayers.” This comparison highlighted the shared experience of both women placing fifth in their respective fields, albeit under vastly different circumstances.
McBride’s Approach to Political Rivalry
McBride has generally declined to respond to Mace in kind, preferring a more diplomatic approach. In an interview with The Advocate in November, she acknowledged the desire of some LGBTQ+ people for her to engage more directly with her critics. However, McBride emphasized the importance of leadership that requires doing things that aren’t easy.
She argued that the country was experiencing a period of “cruelty and cultural regression” and aimed to meet attacks on transgender people with persuasion rather than outrage. McBride’s goal was to lower the temperature and move forward, rather than mirroring the approach of her opponents. This philosophy guided her response to Mace’s defeat, opting for humor and grace rather than harsh criticism.
The political landscape continues to evolve, and the exchange between McBride and Mace serves as a reminder of the power of wit and diplomacy in the face of adversity. As the LGBTQ+ community celebrates Pride, McBride’s remarks stand as a testament to the progress being made and the challenges that remain.
