Retired U.S. Navy Vice Admiral Nancy Lacore, a Democrat, has projected to win South Carolina’s 1st Congressional District with 49.65% of the vote, defeating Republican Jenny Costa Honeycutt (48.64%), according to unofficial results with 100% of precincts reporting. The Associated Press had not called the race as of Wednesday afternoon.
Lacore’s victory marks a political reversal for Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who removed her from her role as chief of the Navy Reserve in 2025, ending her 35-year military career. She had served as a helicopter pilot, completed two deployments, and led approximately 60,000 sailors before her dismissal.
Honeycutt conceded the race on Wednesday, stating in a message to supporters that her campaign had always prioritized the Lowcountry. Lacore responded by thanking voters and acknowledging the possibility of a recount. Both candidates advanced to the general election after winning primary runoffs.
Key Context: The Seat and Candidates
- South Carolina’s 1st District was previously held by Republican Rep. Nancy Mace, who ran unsuccessfully for governor in 2024. The seat was vacated after Mace’s primary loss.
- Alan Wilson, South Carolina’s attorney general, won the gubernatorial election, per unofficial results.
- Lacore’s military background includes 35 years of service, two deployments, and leadership of the Navy Reserve before her removal by Hegseth.
- Honeycutt, a lawyer, ran on a platform emphasizing local issues, while Lacore framed her campaign around national defense and military leadership.
Reactions and Statements
Lacore stated in a post-election message: “The voters of the Lowcountry have spoken, and they’ve made their choice clear. I’m honored to be the next Congresswoman from South Carolina’s First Congressional District.” She also welcomed the possibility of a recount to confirm the results.
Honeycutt thanked supporters, saying: “My prayers now are for the Lowcountry, the State of South Carolina, and our nation.”
Election Results and Implications
The race was one of several Democratic gains in the midterms, with the party projected to flip both chambers of Congress. The outcome in SC-1 represents a 13-point shift from Donald Trump’s 2024 margin in the district, signaling a competitive shift in a traditionally Republican-leaning area.
Neither the Pentagon nor the Department of Defense responded to requests for comment on Lacore’s removal or its potential political impact.