Navy Admiral and Local Attorney Move to Democratic Runoff in South Carolina Congressional Race
Navy admiral fired by Hegseth and local – As the Democratic primary for South Carolina’s 1st Congressional District reached its final stage on Tuesday, two prominent candidates—Nancy Lacore, a retired Navy vice admiral, and Mac Deford, a local attorney—secured their place in a runoff election. The race, which aims to replace the recently vacated seat held by Republican Rep. Nancy Mace, has drawn attention due to its political significance and the unique backgrounds of the contenders. With no candidate achieving a majority of votes, the path to victory will now be determined on June 23, when the final showdown between Lacore and Deford is set to unfold.
The vacancy in the district emerged after Mace, a known conservative voice, announced her bid for governor of South Carolina. Her decision to step down from Congress to pursue the state executive role has shifted focus to the Democratic primary, which promises to be a pivotal contest for the region’s political landscape. Mace, who has long been a vocal advocate for party unity and a willing reformer, has left a legacy of challenging traditional Republican stances on key issues. Her tenure in Congress was marked by several notable actions, including her participation in a rare bipartisan effort to remove former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy in 2023 and her role in pushing for the release of the Epstein Files earlier this year.
“South Carolina needs a governor who will drag the truth into sunlight and flip the tables,” Mace said during her announcement speech. Her words reflect a broader narrative of leadership that transcends party lines, positioning her as a political maverick ready to reshape state governance.
South Carolina’s 1st Congressional District, historically a stronghold for the Republican Party, has remained in GOP hands for the majority of the past four decades. Since 1981, the district has seen consistent Republican representation, with the exception of a brief period from 2019 to 2021 when Democrat Rep. Joe Cunningham held the seat. Mace’s recent re-election in 2024, where she defeated Democratic challenger Michael Moore by a margin of 58.2% to 41.6%, underscores the district’s strong conservative leanings. Now, the Democratic candidates must demonstrate how they can overturn this trend and capture a seat that has been a Republican bastion for over four decades.
Nancy Lacore, the retired Navy vice admiral, has positioned herself as a candidate with a deep connection to the district’s values. Her campaign centers on her military service, emphasizing her career as a pilot and her rise to the rank of three-star admiral before being dismissed by War Secretary Pete Hegseth. Lacore has described her firing as “without cause,” framing it as a political move rather than a merit-based decision. The action aligns with Trump’s administration efforts to overhaul the Department of Defense, which included the removal of several high-ranking officials. Alongside Lacore, Lt. Gen. Kennedy Kruse and Rear Adm. Milton Sands were also relieved of their duties on August 22, 2025, a date that has become symbolic of the administration’s push to reshape military leadership.
Meanwhile, Mac Deford, a local attorney with a focus on pragmatic governance, has outlined his platform as a blend of experience and community-focused policies. His campaign highlights his work as the Associate General Counsel for the Town of Mount Pleasant, where he guided the city through the complexities of the COVID-19 pandemic. Deford has also championed housing initiatives and federal funding strategies, particularly through collaboration with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). “This isn’t a political stop for me. This is home, and I want to serve as your next representative in Washington,” Deford stated in a recent campaign video, underscoring his commitment to the district’s interests.
“For 35 years, I served in the U.S. Navy with the belief that service, honor, and integrity matter; that these are the qualities of true leaders,” Lacore said in a campaign video. Her remarks resonate with voters who value steadfastness and accountability, even as she criticizes the current political climate for undermining these principles.
The runoff election has become a critical juncture for both candidates, who must now appeal to voters disillusioned with the status quo. Lacore’s campaign has leveraged her military record as a symbol of integrity and discipline, contrasting sharply with the perceived politicization of the defense department. Her fundraising efforts have shown strong support, with FEC records indicating she has raised $1.4 million as of late May. Deford, on the other hand, has relied on his local expertise and a focus on practical solutions, emphasizing his ability to bridge the gap between federal and state priorities.
South Carolina’s 1st District is not only a political battleground but also a reflection of the broader national shift in power. The race has drawn comparisons to other high-stakes contests, such as the one in North Carolina’s 1st Congressional District, where Democratic Rep. Don Davis is projected to win. This projection, according to FOX News, highlights the Democratic Party’s growing influence in traditionally Republican-leaning regions, adding a layer of national significance to the South Carolina primary. However, the outcome in South Carolina will depend on the candidates’ ability to connect with voters and articulate a vision that transcends party lines.
As the runoff approaches, the candidates face the challenge of distinguishing themselves in a district where military values and conservative traditions hold considerable sway. Lacore’s emphasis on her career as a civil servant and Deford’s focus on local governance represent two distinct approaches to winning over a skeptical electorate. The final vote on June 23 will not only determine the next representative of the district but also signal the potential for a new era in South Carolina politics, where the balance between military discipline and political pragmatism is being redefined.
Their campaigns have already captured the attention of media and voters, with the battle for the seat becoming a microcosm of the larger Democratic strategy to expand their reach in southern states. While Lacore’s narrative of integrity and Deford’s promise of practical leadership offer contrasting visions, both aim to capitalize on the district’s unique identity. The runoff is expected to draw significant interest, as it represents a rare opportunity for the Democratic Party to reclaim a seat that has long been a Republican stronghold. With the stakes high and the narratives compelling, the next chapter in
