Brace yourselves, South Carolina -- a bombshell resignation has just rocked Rep. Nancy Mace’s gubernatorial campaign with accusations of disloyalty to the MAGA cause.

In a dramatic development, Austin McCubbin, a top consultant for Mace’s bid to become governor, stepped down on Monday, publicly slamming her for straying from Trump’s base and mishandling campaign affairs, as Politico reports.

McCubbin, a seasoned Republican strategist who led Mace’s 2022 reelection effort, was earlier this year named a key adviser, celebrated for his close ties to former President Donald Trump’s political efforts in the state.

McCubbin’s Exit Sparks Political Firestorm

His departure wasn’t a silent one; McCubbin took to X to voice his grievances, accusing Mace of abandoning the core values that drive Trump’s supporters. “[Mace] decided to turn her back on MAGA,” he declared, a sharp critique that strikes a nerve with conservatives who see Trump’s vision as the party’s guiding light.

That’s more than a disagreement -- it’s a call to arms for those weary of politicians who prioritize expediency over the fight against progressive overreach.

Claims of Libertarian Drift Fuel Tensions

McCubbin didn’t hold back, alleging Mace is aligning herself with the libertarian-leaning segment of the GOP, pointing to figures like Rand Paul and Thomas Massie. He even suggested she’s acting as a surrogate for Paul’s future political plans, claiming she mentioned steering a large donation to a related PAC -- though this remains unconfirmed by outside sources.

Such a shift, if accurate, could alienate the very South Carolina voters who champion Trump’s America First priorities over ideological detours.

Personal Disputes Add to Campaign Woes

On a more personal note, McCubbin expressed frustration that his name was used publicly by Mace’s team, while promised compensation never came through. He also accused her of leaning on his Trump connections for her benefit without honoring commitments, a blow to the trust that conservatives hold dear in political dealings.

“My name has been used publicly, while going back on her word to pay me, to trade on my Team Trump status and to work on her behalf with the White House, and I am 100% breaking with her campaign out of loyalty to the President,” McCubbin stated on X.

Mace Team Counters with Harsh Criticism

Mace’s campaign hit back swiftly, with a spokesperson dismissing McCubbin as an underperformer who failed to contribute meaningfully to the effort. The spokesperson claimed he “didn’t raise a dime” and only spoke out after being refused a significant monthly payment, framing his resignation as a petty reaction rather than a principled stand.

While that rebuttal may deflect some heat, it doesn’t erase the perception of discord within a campaign that needs unity to win over skeptical conservative voters.

Trump’s Endorsement Hangs in the Balance

Having entered the governor’s race in August, Mace has been actively seeking Trump’s endorsement, a powerful asset in South Carolina’s Republican primary landscape.

McCubbin, however, is pushing against her, urging Trump and his allies to reconsider supporting her given what he sees as a lack of allegiance. He contrasted Mace with current Gov. Henry McMaster, whom he praised as a loyal Trump supporter and a model of the steadfast leadership the state requires.

Loyalty Becomes the Central Issue

This rift isn’t just a campaign snag -- it’s a window into the ongoing debate over what defines conservatism in the age of Trump, where personal loyalty often outweighs policy details.

McCubbin’s admiration for McMaster as a leader whose “word is their bond” taps into a deep desire among many on the right for politicians who stand firm on their commitments. That principle resonates strongly in a political era often muddied by spin and shifting allegiances.