Lindsey Graham challenger calls him 'Nancy boy' in tweet

In this March 13, 2013, file photo the Chair of the Senate Subcommittee on Personnel, Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., left, talks with the subcommittee's ranking Republican, Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C. (AP)

Nancy Mace, the first female graduate of The Citadel and the primary challenger to incumbent South Carolina Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham, retweeted an insult Tuesday in which she called her opponent a “Nancy boy.”

The tweet has since been deleted, but before it was, it was published on the website “Politwoops.”

“Nancy boy” is a derogatory term often used to describe a homosexual or an overly effeminate man.

Graham, who is seeking his third term during next year’s midterm elections, has been criticized by conservatives for supporting immigration reform. He’s also being called out by Mace and other challengers for compromising with Democrats.

Mace is the daughter of retired Citadel commandant, U.S. Army Brigadier General Emory Mace. She announced her bid to run against Graham Saturday.

Political analysts say Graham will likely face additional challengers in the 2014 mid-term elections. Many in his party accuse him and other GOP lawmakers of abandoning conservative ideals.