In November, four Republicans broke with their party to force a vote on releasing the Epstein files.
And as of yesterday, three of the four are out of a job.
Nancy Mace is an enthusiastic Donald Trump supporter but drew his ire when she voted to release the Epstein files. AP
Nancy Mace, a conservative firebrand and supporter for sexual assault victims, faced a crushing defeat in her bid to become the next governor of South Carolina.
The congresswoman came in fifth place in the gubernatorial primary. Because she ran for governor instead of re-election, she’ll be out of Congress next year.
Mace was clear in her concession that her push to release the Epstein files cost her the support she needed.
“As a survivor, I chose to stand on principle and stand against the Epstein cover-up,” she said.
“I chose to expose the names hidden in the sexual harassment slush fund.
“And apparently, I chose wrong if the goal was winning an election.”
Another Republican who voted to release the files, Thomas Massie, lost his primary last month after Trump strongly endorsed his rival.
And Georgia congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene resigned after her vote drew the ire of Trump.
“Releasing the Epstein files was our demise,” Greene wrote on X after Massie lost his re-election bid.
“But it was worth every single bit because now everyone knows the truth.”
Marjorie Taylor Greene was one of Donald Trump’s most ardent supporters in Congress. AP
The president also called for a primary challenger to Lauren Boebert in May.
“Is anyone interested in running against Weak Minded Lauren Boebert in Colorado’s Fourth Congressional District?” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
“Even though I long ago endorsed Boebert, if the right person came along, it would be my Honour to withdraw that Endorsement, and endorse a good and proper alternative.
“Just let me know, or announce your Candidacy, and I will be there for you!”
Donald Trump and future wife Melania, Jeffrey Epstein, Ghislaine Maxwell at the Mar-a-Lago club, in 2000. Getty
But Trump’s statement came way too late, after the filing deadline had passed for any primary challengers.
The four remain diehard conservatives and had been some of Trump’s most vocal supporters in Congress before the Epstein files became an issue.
Mace had become well-known in Congress for her adversarial rhetoric towards transgender people.
The only transgender member of Congress, Democrat Sarah McBride, sarcastically tweeted “thoughts and prayers” after Mace’s defeat.
Mace and Massie will remain in Congress until their terms end in January.