Rep. Nancy Mace Reveals Tattoo Motivation Amid Personal Struggles

The South Carolina congresswoman has gotten 9 tattoos while in office, citing a need to 'reclaim' her body and identity.

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) has gotten nine tattoos as a member of Congress, citing a need to feel 'pain' and 'reclaim' her body and identity amid personal struggles. The 48-year-old congresswoman and South Carolina gubernatorial candidate detailed a tumultuous period marked by a breakup, staff departures, and allegations of past sexual abuse and trauma that have left her feeling 'totally broken'.

Why it matters

Mace's openness about her personal challenges and unconventional coping mechanisms as a high-profile elected official shine a light on the mental health pressures and trauma that some public figures face. Her story also reflects broader discussions around self-care, identity, and healing for survivors of abuse.

The details

Mace got the nine tattoos in 'rapid succession' between late 2023 and early 2024, a period marked by the end of her engagement and an exodus of staffers who viewed working for her as 'toxic.' One of her tattoos features the opening line of Virginia Woolf's novel 'Mrs. Dalloway,' which the profile notes was written by an author who later died by suicide. Mace described the tattoos as a way to 'reclaim' her body and identity, and said she has PTSD from past experiences of sexual molestation and rape.

  • Mace got the nine tattoos between late 2023 and early 2024.
  • On Thursday, Mace claimed former first lady Hillary Clinton became 'unhinged' when she asked about racy photos of her husband, former President Bill Clinton, that were revealed in the Epstein files.

The players

Rep. Nancy Mace

A 48-year-old Republican congresswoman from South Carolina who is also running for governor. She has gotten nine tattoos while in office, citing a need to 'reclaim' her body and identity amid personal struggles.

Hillary Clinton

The former first lady, who Mace claimed became 'unhinged' when Mace asked her about racy photos of her husband, former President Bill Clinton, that were revealed in the Epstein files.

Bill Clinton

The former president, whose racy photos were reportedly revealed in the Epstein files and prompted a confrontation between Mace and his wife, Hillary Clinton.

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What they’re saying

“So my story is I am totally broken.”

— Rep. Nancy Mace (Politico)

“I have PTSD over what I've been through.”

— Rep. Nancy Mace (Politico)

“I don't know that I'll ever be OK with myself. There's no end of the story where I'm whole.”

— Rep. Nancy Mace (Politico)

“She was screaming. She was unhinged. I hope that President Clinton is less unhinged today than his wife was yesterday.”

— Rep. Nancy Mace (Politico)

What’s next

Mace is expected to continue playing a prominent role in the congressional investigation into Jeffrey Epstein, and her confrontation with Hillary Clinton over the Epstein files could lead to further developments.

The takeaway

Mace's openness about her personal struggles and unconventional coping mechanisms as a high-profile elected official highlights the mental health pressures and trauma that some public figures face, and reflects broader discussions around self-care, identity, and healing for survivors of abuse.