Mace slams House GOP leaders in op-ed, claiming Pelosi was 'more effective' speaker than Republicans

South Carolina GOP Rep. Nancy Mace slammed her party's House leadership Monday in an opinion piece for the New York Times, where she claimed that former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi was a "more effective" leader than Republicans.

Mace is the latest female Republican lawmaker to blast House leadership and the Trump administration, after Georgia firebrand Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene broke from her party to criticize its leadership in recent months. 

"I came to Congress five years ago believing I could make a difference for my constituents, for South Carolina and for a country I love deeply," Mace wrote in her piece. "But I’ve learned that the system in the House promotes control by party leaders over accountability and achievement. 

"No one can be held responsible for inaction, so far too little gets done," she continued. "The obstacles to achieving almost anything are enough to make any member who came to Washington with noble intentions ask: Why am I even here?"

Mace noted that the problem did not start with House Speaker Mike Johnson, who she acknowledged was "better than his predecessor," former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, but that current House leadership has done little to improve things. 

"The frustrations of being a rank-and-file House member are compounded as certain individuals or groups remain marginalized within the party, getting little say," she wrote. "Women will never be taken seriously until leadership decides to take us seriously, and I’m no longer holding my breath."

Mace lamented that female Republicans are given the "token" slot of House Republican Conference Chair, which is currently held by Michigan Rep. Lisa McClain, but no other leadership role.

"Here’s a hard truth Republicans don’t want to hear: Nancy Pelosi was a more effective House speaker than any Republican this century," she said. "I agree with her on essentially nothing. But she understood something we don’t: No majority is permanent."

Mace added that Republicans have a real chance to make serious changes in the country because they have a trifecta in politics between the House, Senate and the White House, but that little of what they were elected on is being done. 

"If we fail to pass legislation that permanently secures the border, addresses the affordability crisis, improves health care and restores law and order, we will lose this majority. And we will deserve it," she said. "We can do better. We can restore regular order, empower members to legislate and deliver on our promises. But that will require a fundamental shift, one that prioritizes courage over control. Let us vote. Let the people see. Let the chips fall. That’s democracy."

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.