Retired Navy Vice Admiral Nancy Lacore and local attorney Mac Deford advanced to a runoff election on Tuesday in the Democratic primary for South Carolina’s 1st Congressional District, left vacant by Rep. Nancy Mace’s decision to run for governor. No candidate secured the required 50% of the vote, setting up a June 23 runoff. The winner will challenge for a seat held by Republicans for over 40 years, with Lacore emphasizing her military record and removal from her post by former War Secretary Pete Hegseth.
Mace’s Departure and Political Legacy
Mace, a conservative Republican, announced her gubernatorial bid earlier this year. Known for breaking with her party, she voted to remove former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy in 2023 and pushed for the release of Epstein-related files. She framed her gubernatorial campaign as a continuation of her maverick approach, stating South Carolina needs a leader who ‘drags the truth into sunlight.’
District History and Challenges
The 1st District has been Republican since 1981, with the exception of Joe Cunningham’s brief tenure (2019–2021). Mace won re-election in 2024 with 58.2% of the vote. The Democratic runoff will determine the party’s nominee in a historically GOP-leaning district.