Nancy Lacore, a retired Navy vice admiral dismissed by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, will face local attorney Mac Deford in a runoff election for South Carolina’s 1st Congressional District. The two candidates emerged as frontrunners in Tuesday’s crowded Democratic primary but failed to secure the majority needed for an outright victory. The runoff is scheduled for June 23, with the winner moving forward to challenge for a seat that has remained predominantly Republican for over four decades.
The congressional vacancy emerged after Rep. Nancy Mace announced her candidacy for governor of South Carolina. During her tenure in Congress, Mace established herself as a political maverick willing to break ranks with her party on significant issues. She was among eight Republicans who voted to remove former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy in 2023 and one of four GOP lawmakers who forced a vote on releasing the Epstein Files earlier this year. Mace has pledged to bring the same independent approach to state leadership, stating that South Carolina needs a governor who will expose the truth and challenge the status quo.
Lacore campaigns on military service and controversial dismissal
Lacore has positioned herself as an anti-establishment candidate with a strong military background. The three-star admiral served 35 years in the Navy, beginning her career as a pilot before rising through the ranks to senior leadership. Her dismissal by Hegseth on August 22, 2025, came without stated cause, according to Lacore, and coincided with a broader reshuffling at the Department of Defense. The same day, Lt. Gen. Kennedy Kruse, director of the Defense Intelligence Agency, and Rear Adm. Milton Sands, commander of Naval Special Warfare Command, were also relieved of their duties as part of reform efforts under the Trump administration.
In campaign materials, Lacore has emphasized her commitment to service, honor, and integrity. She argues that these values, which guided her military career, are absent in current political leadership. The candidate has framed her firing as politically motivated and used it to highlight what she describes as partisan interference in military operations. Her campaign has resonated with voters seeking experience outside traditional politics. Federal Election Commission records show Lacore raised $1.4 million through late May, demonstrating substantial financial support for her bid.
- 35 years of Navy service, retiring as three-star admiral
- Dismissed by Pete Hegseth on August 22, 2025
- Raised $1.4 million in campaign funds
- Emphasizes military values over political careerism
Deford presents pragmatic local governance record
Mac Deford has approached the primary from a different angle, marketing himself as a practical problem-solver with deep local roots. The attorney has served as Associate General Counsel for the Town of Mount Pleasant, where he guided officials through the COVID-19 pandemic response, housing initiatives, and federal funding processes through the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Deford’s campaign emphasizes his connection to the district and commitment to constituent service rather than using the position as a political stepping stone.
In his campaign messaging, Deford stresses that this race represents a genuine commitment to serve his community rather than advance a broader political career. His focus on local issues and administrative experience contrasts with Lacore’s national security credentials. While his fundraising has lagged behind his opponent, with $547,800 raised according to FEC records, Deford’s performance in the primary demonstrates his appeal among voters prioritizing local expertise and familiarity with district-specific challenges.
Democrats face uphill battle in traditionally Republican district
South Carolina’s 1st Congressional District has remained firmly in Republican hands for most of the past 40 years. The GOP has controlled the seat continuously since 1981, with only one brief interruption. Rep. Joe Cunningham broke the Republican hold from 2019 to 2021, representing the sole Democratic victory in four decades. His tenure proved short-lived, as Mace reclaimed the seat for Republicans in the following election cycle.
Mace’s most recent victory in 2024 demonstrated the district’s Republican lean, as she defeated Democratic challenger Michael Moore by a margin of 58.2% to 41.6%. The 16.6-point victory margin underscores the challenge facing Democrats in flipping the seat. Both Lacore and Deford must overcome significant partisan disadvantages to succeed in the general election. The district’s voting patterns suggest that national political winds, candidate quality, and campaign resources will all play crucial roles in determining whether Democrats can capture this traditionally safe Republican seat.
Runoff will determine Democratic standard-bearer for general election
The June 23 runoff will determine which candidate carries the Democratic banner into the general election. Both contenders offer distinct advantages. Lacore brings national name recognition following her high-profile dismissal, substantial fundraising capability, and military credentials that could appeal to moderate and independent voters. Her campaign narrative centers on standing up to political interference and bringing non-partisan leadership to Congress. Deford counters with intimate knowledge of local issues, proven administrative competence, and deep community ties that may resonate with voters seeking authentic representation.
The winner will need to quickly unite Democratic voters and appeal to independents while attempting to peel away moderate Republicans disillusioned with current party leadership. The relatively short timeline between the runoff and general election will test both campaigns’ organizational capacity and message discipline. With South Carolina’s first district historically favoring Republicans, the Democratic nominee will require exceptional campaign execution, favorable national conditions, or significant opponent missteps to achieve what would be only the second Democratic victory in this district since 1981.
