South Carolina Republicans unseat Trump-opposed Rep. Tom Rice in primary, retain Rep. Nancy Mace


Rep. Tom Rice (R-S.C.) was defeated by state Rep. Russell Fry (R), The Associated Press projects, in one of two South Carolina primary races in which former President Donald Trump endorsed the challenger. Rice, who has represented South Carolina's 7th Congressional District for five terms, angered the former president and his supporters by voting to impeach Trump for fomenting the Jan. 6 Capitol siege. Ten House Republicans voted to impeach Trump, and Rice is the first to be unseated, though four decided not to seek reelection.
Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.), on the other hand, won her race against Trump-backed opponent Katie Arrington in the 1st Congressional District. The split verdict reflects the mixed success Trump has had in his attempt to punish Republican lawmakers he deems insufficiently loyal.
Mace criticized Trump for the Jan. 6 insurrection and voted to certify President Biden's victory, but she tried to get back in his good graces by pledging her support in front of Trump Tower earlier this year and noting to her constituents that she worked to elect Trump in 2016 and 2020.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Trump still endorsed Arrington, a former state representative who lost her race against Democrat Joe Cunningham in the 1st District in 2018. Mace defeated Cunningham in 2020. Cunningham won Tuesday's Democratic primary to challenge Gov. Henry McMaster (R) in November.
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.
-
5 editorial cartoons about ICE raids
Cartoons Political cartoonists take on ICE raids, harvesting Big Macs for Donald Trump, and what to do when Stephen Miller shows up at the front door
-
Grilled radicchio with caper and anchovy sauce recipe
The Week Recommends Smoky twist on classic Italian flavours is perfect to grill, drizzle and devour
-
What we know about Iran's nuclear programme
In the Spotlight The global nuclear watchdog has declared Iran in breach of its non-proliferation obligations for the first time in 20 years
-
Court allows National Guard in LA as Dodgers repel feds
Speed Read The team said they 'denied entry' to ICE agents seeking to enter their stadium
-
'Is it even possible to enjoy a trip without contributing to the problem?'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
-
Trump ramps up Iran threats, demands 'surrender'
Speed Read Trump met with his top aides in the Situation Room on Tuesday
-
Travel ban: It's back and it's bigger
Feature Trump revives a controversial travel ban, targeting mostly poor, nonwhite countries
-
'Big Oil does not accept responsibility'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
-
ABA sues Trump over 'law firm intimidation policy'
Speed Read Trump has 'used the vast powers of the executive branch to coerce lawyers,' the lawsuit said
-
Judge orders Trump's NIH grant cuts reversed
Speed Read Trump had attempted to slash more than $1 billion in research grants
-
Trump leaves G7 early, warns Tehran to evacuate
Speed Read Trump claimed to have left the summit due to ongoing issues in the Middle East