Ethics panel opens investigation of Rep. Nancy Mace over housing costs

Allegations claim Mace overcharged a congressional program intended to help defray housing costs for lawmakers in Washington

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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The House Ethics Committee has opened an investigation into allegations that Rep. Nancy Mace, a South Carolina Republican, overcharged a congressional program intended to help defray housing costs for lawmakers who have residences in Washington. The Office of Congressional Conduct believes there is 'substantial reason to believe that Rep. Mace engaged in improper reimbursement practices' during 2023 and 2024, her second term in office, recouping about $9,500 'more than the true costs' for the Washington home she shared with her then-fiancé.

Why it matters

The investigation raises questions about the proper use of congressional funds and the oversight of housing cost reimbursement programs for lawmakers who maintain dual residences in Washington and their home districts. It also highlights the potential for personal disputes to influence political investigations.

The details

The Office of Congressional Conduct said it was 'unable to determine how or why Rep. Mace decided to seek the maximum allowable reimbursement when it exceeded her expenses incurred.' While acknowledging that 'Mace's lodging expenses may have exceeded the maximum allowable reimbursement for some months,' the report said the available evidence 'suggests Rep. Mace did not take appropriate measures to ensure she sought reimbursement for expenses actually incurred.' Mace's attorney has argued that the referral to the Ethics Committee 'appears to rely heavily on unverified materials originating from individuals with personal or adversarial motives,' namely Mace's former fiancé.

  • The investigation was opened in December 2023.
  • The alleged improper reimbursement practices occurred during Mace's second term in office, in 2023 and 2024.

The players

Rep. Nancy Mace

A South Carolina Republican serving her third term in the House of Representatives, who is now under investigation by the House Ethics Committee for allegedly overcharging a congressional program intended to help defray housing costs for lawmakers in Washington.

Office of Congressional Conduct

The office that conducted an investigation into the allegations against Rep. Mace and referred the findings to the House Ethics Committee.

House Ethics Committee

The committee that has opened an investigation into the allegations against Rep. Mace.

William Sullivan Jr.

The attorney representing Rep. Mace, who has argued that the referral to the Ethics Committee 'appears to rely heavily on unverified materials originating from individuals with personal or adversarial motives,' namely Mace's former fiancé.

Rep. Michael Guest

The Republican chairman of the House Ethics Committee, who stated that the committee's decision to investigate is not evidence of wrongdoing and that the committee would not make further comment until the investigation is complete.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.