South Carolina Representative Nancy Mace has made headlines for her refusal to attend an upcoming town hall meeting, attributing her absence to concerns over safety and alleging that the event is being manipulated by ‘left-wing extremists and paid agitators.’ This statement comes as a surprise to constituents who have been eagerly anticipating an opportunity to engage directly with their representative.
On March 18, 2025, Mace publicly announced on social media that she would not participate in a town hall hosted by the Lowcountry Accountability Alliance and moderated by Mt. Pleasant Town Council Mayor Pro Tempore G.M. Whitley. In her statement, Mace labeled the event as “FAKE NEWS” and declared, “This event is being driven by left-wing extremists and paid agitators with a clear agenda.” She further expressed her concerns for safety, stating, “We’re staying away because it’s not safe, and we refuse to be bullied by individuals who are threatening me, my employees, and my family.”
The town hall was formally invited to Mace in a letter dated March 14, 2025, which highlighted the community’s desire to hear about her legislative priorities and discuss pressing issues. Whitley emphasized the necessity of direct dialogue between legislators and constituents, arguing that “our community deserves the opportunity to engage directly with our Representative” to understand the impact of federal policies on their lives.
Despite the growing pressure to hold an in-person event, Mace’s decision to withdraw from the town hall aligns with a national trend among Republican lawmakers, many of whom have faced backlash at town hall meetings. Just last week, North Carolina Representative Chuck Edwards endured a tumultuous session in Asheville, where he was mocked and confronted about President Donald Trump’s proposed cuts to federal assistance programs.
Officials within the Republican National Committee have expressed concerns regarding town halls, advising members to avoid such public forums due to the potential for hostile gatherings. Mace’s statement reflected these sentiments, as she insisted that her team adheres to strict security protocols and will only attend events organized by her office to ensure a safe and productive environment.
In response to Mace’s claims, the Lowcountry Accountability Alliance challenged her characterization of the group, calling her assertions “false.” They contended that hosting a town hall is a fundamental democratic practice and criticized Mace for her refusal to engage with constituents. “If a simple demand for an in-person town hall makes her feel unsafe, imagine how her own unhinged social media rants make everyday Americans feel,” the Alliance stated. This response underscores the deep division between Mace and her critics, who argue that communication between elected officials and the public is essential for accountability.
Adding to the controversy, Mace's last recorded in-person town hall was on June 7, 2024, just prior to the Republican primary elections. Since then, she has not held a town hall, and had scheduled a virtual town hall on March 11, which was canceled shortly before it was set to begin due to last-minute changes in her voting schedule.
To increase pressure on Mace, the Lowcountry Accountability Alliance took to billboards, displaying demands for her to hold a town hall. One such billboard is situated on Clements Ferry Road near her office, aiming to highlight the community's frustration over the lack of public engagement opportunities.
As the scheduled town hall approaches, community leaders express their mounting concern. “The citizens of the Lowcountry and Mount Pleasant in particular are very concerned about the whipsawing that’s happening at the federal level,” Whitley remarked. “They simply want answers.” The March 28 town hall is set to proceed at the Town of Mount Pleasant Municipal Complex at 5:30 p.m., but it will occur without Mace, raising questions about the future of her engagement with her constituents.
Mace’s situation illustrates a broader trend in American politics, where the increasing polarization has made direct interaction with constituents a potential flashpoint. As tensions rise at public gatherings, many public officials are navigating complex dynamics in their attempts to connect while maintaining their political and personal safety.
Whatever the outcome of this community meeting, it is clear that the demands for accountability and transparency in governance echo loud and clear among voters, and how Mace chooses to respond may significantly shape her political trajectory, especially as she contemplates a run for governor.
As it stands, constituents in South Carolina are left grappling with a representative unwilling to face their questions directly, pointing to the challenges of communicating in today’s increasingly contentious political climate.
