'China's favorite governor': GOP Rep. Mace rips Haley's record in SC

Haley served as governor from 2011 to 2017, when she resigned to become the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations.

By Ben Whedon

Published: February 2, 2024 3:59pm

South Carolina GOP Rep. Nancy Mace this week excoriated the Palmetto State's former governor, asserting that Nikki Haley's official tenure was marred by an unduly friendly relationship with Beijing.

"Nikki Haley is China’s favorite governor... If she had her way, South Carolina would be manufacturing spy balloons right here in our state," she said Thursday, according to The Hill. "She rolled out the red carpet for Communist China when she was governor... In fact, she gave away our land for free."

"She said as governor that Chinese workers could teach a thing or two to South Carolina workers. Well, I know, you know, South Carolina workers very well. We don’t need Communist China teaching anything about work ethic or honor by a murderous dictator," she continued.

Mace made the remarks at a press conference at a press conference at the Horry County Courthouse. She subsequently appeared on Friday at a Trump campaign stop and further criticized the former governor.

Mace endorsed former President Donald Trump last month and has worked to bolster his campaign in her home South Carolina, which is also Haley's home turf. Haley served as governor from 2011 to 2017, when she resigned to become the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations.

Trump currently leads Haley in South Carolina by an average 27.0%, according to RealClearPolitics.

The Haley campaign has since responded by posting a video of Mace's past praise of Haley while on the 2022 campaign trail.