Feud between Mace and Mills flares as the Republicans trade barbs, expulsion threats
Growing Rift Between Mace and Mills as GOP Factions Clash Over Expulsion Threats
Relations between Florida Congressman Cory Mills and South Carolina Representative Nancy Mace have intensified within the Capitol, with Mills accusing Mace of leveraging the political turmoil against him for personal gain. The escalating conflict between the two conservative lawmakers has captured attention in congressional corridors and among MAGA supporters, occurring at a critical juncture for the Republican Party. Maintaining its slim majority is a top priority for GOP leaders, who rely on every seat to push forward legislative agendas.
Mills and Mace have exchanged sharp criticisms over the years, but recent threats to each other’s careers risk fracturing the already fragile unity within the party. Both have proposed opposing expulsion proposals, defying House leadership’s efforts to mediate. Speaker Mike Johnson, who presides with a mere two-vote buffer, expressed reservations about internal party attacks. “There’s no encouragement for members to target one another,” he told reporters. “We have a structured process here.” He reiterated, “I’m not in favor of such actions.”
Mills initially scaled back his push to remove Mace from office, but Mace has appeared more resolute, stating to CNN, “Bring it on.” A vote on expulsion could deepen divisions in the narrowly divided House GOP, threatening Johnson’s tenuous leadership. When questioned about Mace’s proposal, Mills dismissed it as “political theatrics for fundraising,” criticizing her for focusing on him without providing conclusive evidence. “She’s always creating drama to raise funds,” he claimed, “but then fails to act on her claims.”
Mace continues to press for an expulsion vote against Mills, though the measure has not yet been officially tabled. “Why not submit a privileged motion for a floor vote?” Mills challenged, implying Mace’s actions are opportunistic. CNN sought Mace’s response to the fundraising accusation, but she has not yet addressed it. Mills, meanwhile, maintains his stance, insisting he will not resign. “There’s no reason to step down,” he said, adding that Johnson had advised him against it. “He told me not to resign, and this is why we have the process.”
Johnson declined to confirm the conversation but emphasized Mills’ right to due process. “Cory Mills is undergoing the same investigation as Cherfilus-McCormick,” he stated. “Everyone deserves the chance to defend themselves.” While he wouldn’t explicitly endorse Mills’ re-election, he positioned himself as the gatekeeper for GOP incumbents. “I’m responsible for ensuring all Republicans are reelected,” he said, noting that decisions were made before the allegations surfaced. “He has the right to respond to the claims, and that’s what he’s doing.”
The Ethics Committee is currently examining multiple allegations against Mills, including campaign finance violations and misconduct claims. Mills has been scrutinized by DC police for alleged assault and previously ordered by a judge to avoid contact with an ex-girlfriend. The ex-girlfriend accused him of threatening to leak explicit media after their relationship ended. Despite the accusations, Mills has remained defiant, vowing to challenge the allegations. “I can tell you that all the charges are false,” he asserted, though the full details of the case remain under review.
