Retired Navy Vice Admiral Nancy Lacore wins Democratic primary in SC

Key Points:

• Nancy Lacore, a retired Navy vice admiral, and Mac Deford, a local attorney, advanced to a runoff election on June 23 in the Democratic primary for South Carolina's 1st Congressional District, which was vacated by Republican Rep. Nancy Mace.
• The primary runoff is necessary because no candidate secured more than 50% of the vote; the winner will aim to become only the second Democrat to hold the district in over 40 years, with Lacore emphasizing her military service and controversial firing by War Secretary Pete Hegseth.
• The vacancy arose after Mace, known for her maverick political stance within the GOP, decided to run for governor of South Carolina, leaving a historically Republican district open.
• Lacore, who served 35 years in the Navy and was removed from her post in 2025 during the Trump administration's Department of Defense reforms, has raised $1.4 million for her campaign.
• Deford, presenting himself as a pragmatic candidate with local government experience, has raised $547,800 and emphasized his commitment to serving the community rather than pursuing politics as a career.