Full Breakdown
Democratic Runoff Shapes Race for South Carolina’s 1st Congressional District
6/11/2026, 12:05:04 AM
Democratic Runoff in South Carolina’s 1st District
Former Navy Vice Admiral Nancy Lacore and Coast Guard veteran Mac Deford emerged from the June 9 primary without a majority, triggering a June 23 runoff for the Democratic nomination in South Carolina’s 1st Congressional District. The seat is open after Rep. Nancy Mace (R) left to run for governor.
Background & Context
Mace won by double-digit margins in 2022 and 2024. The 2021 redistricting added Republican-leaning precincts, and the Cook Political Report now rates the seat “solidly Republican.” No Democratic poll shows a viable path.
Candidates & Endorsements
Nancy Lacore – former Navy vice admiral and chief of the Navy Reserve, dismissed by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in August 2025. Endorsed by VoteVets, Veterans for Responsible Leadership, EMILY’s List, and The Bench.
Mac Deford – Coast Guard veteran and former local-government attorney, backed by former Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley and the South Carolina AFL-CIO.
Campaign Finance
Lacore raised $500,000 in two weeks and $1.4 million by late May; Deford raised $547,800. Mace’s 2024 margin was 58.2 % to 41.6 %.
Official Statements & Responses
Lacore says she “still has more to give … and I am not done serving.” Deford calls his campaign “home, not a political stop” and pledges to serve the district. Endorsements from veterans’ groups and EMILY’s List were announced. Hegseth defended the personnel changes as needed for “the right policies.”
Criticism & Opposition
Analysts and civil-rights observers criticize Hegseth’s purge, noting his claim that promotions were based on “race, gender quotas, historic so-called firsts.” They argue the dismissals, including Lacore’s, reflect a broader DEI rollback and raise fairness concerns.
Verbatim Quotes
- “You want to call it destroyed, you want to call it defeated, you want to call it obliterated – choose your word. This was an historically successful attack,” — Pete Hegseth, Defense Secretary
- “For too long, we’ve promoted too many uniform leaders for the wrong reasons – based on their race, based on gender quotas, based on historic so-called firsts,” — Pete Hegseth
- “I still have more to give, more to fight for, more work to do – and I am not done serving,” — Nancy Lacore, former Navy vice admiral
- “This is home and I want to serve as your next representative in Washington," Deford said in a campaign video.” — Mac Deford, Democratic candidate
What’s Next
The June 23 runoff will pick the Democratic nominee, who will face the Republican in November. The Cook Political Report’s “solidly Republican” rating suggests the seat will stay GOP, though the race will be watched for its impact on Democratic recruitment in red districts.
