Representative Nancy Mace, a notable Republican figure from South Carolina eyeing a potential run for governor, stirred considerable attention on Monday with a powerful speech delivered on the House floor. In a nearly hour-long address, she accused four men—including her former fiancé—of heinous offenses such as rape, physical abuse, and sexual misconduct.

Mace declared her readiness to “go scorched earth” in her mission to unveil what she describes as the “cowards” who prey on women. She recounted her personal experiences and the alleged actions of these men, expressing her disappointment that Attorney General Alan Wilson failed to take appropriate action after she reported these incidents. Wilson, who could become a political rival if she pursues the governor’s seat in 2026, responded by stating that the allegations were never formally presented to him.

At the age of 47, Mace has positioned herself as a staunch advocate for the safety of women and children. She frequently shares her own traumatic history, including being molested at 14 and raped at 16, which ultimately led her to leave high school. Mace made history as the first woman to graduate from the Citadel military college and was elected to Congress in 2021.

Her political career has been marked by a mix of defiance and controversy. A report from The Daily Beast last year, based on interviews with former staffers, indicated that Mace places significant value on securing national media coverage.

Once perceived as a moderate, Mace has since aligned herself with the agenda of former President Donald Trump, despite his ongoing legal challenges related to sexual misconduct. She has emerged as a leading voice in the Republican opposition to transgender rights, introducing a contentious resolution in November to prevent transgender women from using women’s restrooms in the Capitol, following the election of the first openly transgender woman to Congress. Mace has consistently voiced anti-trans sentiments on social media, frequently using derogatory language, including during a House committee hearing in February.

In recent weeks, Mace has been vocal about her ambitions to run for governor of South Carolina.

Let’s delve deeper into Mace’s story.

Addressing sexual assault allegations on the House floor

Mace accused her ex-fiancé, Patrick Bryant, along with three other men from South Carolina, of drugging, raping, and filming women without their consent, and being involved in sex trafficking. Although she didn’t present evidence during her speech, she claimed to have materials that could substantiate her allegations.

Bryant responded to her claims by stating to the Associated Press, “I categorically deny these allegations. I take this matter seriously and will fully cooperate with any legal processes to prove my innocence.” TIME has not been able to independently verify the claims made by Mace. However, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division confirmed an ongoing investigation into Bryant that commenced in December 2023.

Mace recounted that in November 2023, she stumbled upon alarming evidence on Bryant’s phone, which included a video of herself undressed without her consent, along with other explicit content involving different women. Following this discovery, she accused Bryant of physically assaulting her. “I still bear the mark that Patrick Bryant left on me that night,” Mace stated. “I will wear it for the rest of my life as a badge of honor.”

She also alleged that in 2022, Bryant and his associates drugged her, resulting in a rape. “I believe they intended to incapacitate me. I have no idea if anyone else was present, if it was recorded, or if it ended up on the dark web, but I know what these men are capable of,” she emphasized.

Mace claims to have provided all evidence against the accused to law enforcement in South Carolina but criticized Attorney General Wilson for his inaction. Wilson labeled her comments as “categorically false” and asserted that she either misunderstood or misrepresented the role of his office in these matters.

“Our office has not received any reports or requests for assistance regarding these allegations from any law enforcement agencies,” Wilson’s office stated. “The Attorney General and his staff were unaware of these allegations until Mace’s public address.”

Evolving perspectives on LGBTQ+ rights

Mace’s views on LGBTQ+ issues have changed since she took office.

In a 2021 interview with the Washington Examiner, she expressed strong support for LGBTQ rights, asserting that “no one should face discrimination.” She mentioned having “friends and family who identify as LGBTQ” and highlighted the importance of understanding their experiences. However, in a 2023 CBS News interview, Mace described herself as “pro-transgender rights” while also advocating for restrictions on minors who are socially transitioning.

“If they wish to adopt a different pronoun or gender identity, or alter their appearance, those are personal choices that most people would support. But I believe in drawing the line at permanent changes for minors,” she stated, calling for limits on gender-affirming care for transgender youth.

Since November, Mace has risen as a prominent Republican critic of measures aimed at advancing transgender rights. She has faced backlash for her derogatory remarks and misgendering of transgender individuals, including a recent incident during a House Oversight Committee hearing where she used a transphobic slur. Despite the controversies, Mace has remained steadfast, sharing video clips of the incident on social media and defending her comments as part of a necessary stand against what she perceives as leftist overreach.

Mace’s strict stance on transgender rights is evident in legislative proposals she has supported, such as her initiative to prohibit trans women from using women’s restrooms and changing facilities in the Capitol and House office buildings. Although this policy was initially left out of the House rules for the 118th Congress, it was later integrated into the 119th Congress under Speaker Mike Johnson. Mace frames her anti-trans rhetoric as protective measures for women and children, while critics argue that she fuels division and perpetuates harmful stereotypes about the transgender community.

Her vote to oust the former House Speaker

In October 2023, Mace was one of the eight House Republicans who voted to remove Speaker Kevin McCarthy after he negotiated a bipartisan agreement with Democrats to avert a government shutdown. This marked a historic first in the House, as it was the first time a Speaker was ousted from office.

Her vote drew considerable backlash. Mace explained that she opted for his removal due to a “perceived lack of trust,” asserting that McCarthy failed to uphold commitments regarding balanced budget amendments and did not support two women’s initiatives she had championed. “For me, this was a matter of principle and conscience,” Mace insisted. “I could not continue to support a Speaker who was not truthful. Honesty is essential, especially given the divisive climate in our country. We had a leader who was saying one thing to Conservatives, another to moderates, and yet another to Democrats. That’s not true leadership.”

Following her vote, Mace garnered attention by wearing a red “A” on her shirt, comparing her situation to that of the protagonist in The Scarlet Letter, who faced ostracism for having a child out of wedlock.

Considering a run for governor

In January, Mace informed the Associated Press that she is “seriously considering” a gubernatorial campaign in 2026 and plans to make a definitive choice soon. She expressed her desire to seek Trump’s endorsement, as he supported her during last year’s GOP primary.

“Trump will need allies in governor positions come ’26,” Mace noted. “It’s going to be a challenging election cycle for us. We need candidates who can win decisively and implement his agenda, and I am committed to doing just that. My relationship with him is strong, and I will be asking for his support across South Carolina.” Attorney General Wilson is also contemplating a run for governor.

Currently, Mace represents South Carolina’s only competitive district, which includes the Charleston area.