Nancy Lacore and Mac Deford advanced to the Democratic primary runoff for South Carolina's 1st Congressional District on Tuesday night, narrowing a crowded race for the open seat held by outgoing U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace.
The called the runoff advance after a contest that drew 18 candidates in all, including 11 Republicans and seven Democrats, as one of the state's most competitive and closely watched congressional races. With only Lacore and Deford moving on, the Democratic field has now been cut from seven to two, leaving the party's nominee to be decided in a runoff that was not immediately scheduled.
Lacore framed the result as the product of a fast-moving campaign. In a statement, she said her team had been active for just over four months, had built a large network of volunteers and grassroots supporters, and had earned more votes than any other candidate. She added that the result was humbling and credited supporters for the showing.
Her comments also pointed to the pitch that defined the race. Lacore said she wants to restore financial freedom so hard work leads to stability and the chance to build wealth, while also protecting the Lowcountry’s coastal environment and ensuring those who serve in the military and local communities can live with dignity. Those themes echoed broader concerns in the district, where candidates have focused on infrastructure, public safety, economic development and preserving Lowcountry communities.
The unresolved piece is the runoff itself. Lacore’s claim to the most votes made her showing look like a front-runner’s performance, but it was still not enough to avoid another round. For Democrats in South Carolina's 1st Congressional District, the race now shifts from a crowded opening contest to a two-person test that will decide who gets the clearest path toward replacing Mace.
