Nancy Lacore, a three-star admiral whom Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth fired last year, is projected to advance to a runoff against Mac Deford in the Democratic primary for South Carolina's 1st Congressional District, according to Decision Desk HQ.
The two candidates defeated a field of Democrats in Tuesday's primary and will face each other on June 23. The winner will go on to compete in November's general election for the seat being vacated by Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.), who is running for governor. Lacore and Deford both declared victory following the initial results, with Deford acknowledging a runoff was likely.
Lacore served more than three decades in the Navy, rising from a pilot to vice admiral. She most recently held the position of chief of the Navy Reserve, serving in that role for over a year before Hegseth removed her and dozens of other military leaders during a broader shakeup at the Pentagon last August. Upon launching her campaign in January, Lacore said she 'never put the uniform on again' after departing the Pentagon on the day of her ouster.
What the Left Is Saying
Supporters of Lacore's candidacy point to her national security credentials and military leadership experience as exactly what Congress needs at a time of global uncertainty. VoteVets and Veterans for Responsible Leadership have both endorsed her campaign, highlighting her decades of service and crisis management experience. EMILYs List, which works to elect Democratic pro-choice women, has also backed Lacore, framing her candidacy as part of a broader effort to increase women's representation in government.
Progressive groups supporting Lacore argue that her dismissal by Hegseth demonstrates the importance of having experienced military voices in Congress who will not be easily removed from positions of power. Her supporters contend she brings independent judgment shaped by service rather than political calculation.
What the Right Is Saying
Deford's backers emphasize his experience as a local government attorney and U.S. Coast Guard veteran, arguing that combination offers practical knowledge of both legal matters affecting coastal districts and military service. Former Maryland Gov. Martin O'MMalley (D) has endorsed Deford, along with the South Carolina AFL-CIO, suggesting strong support from organized labor.
Some Democrats in the district have quietly expressed preference for a candidate with more traditional political experience over one whose campaign is largely built around opposition to the current defense secretary's actions. Deford's supporters argue his background in local government and legal practice provides a foundation for constituent service that resonates beyond national security debates.
What the Numbers Show
Both candidates received sufficient votes Tuesday to force the June 23 runoff, though neither appears to have secured the majority threshold needed to avoid a second round. The district stretches along South Carolina's southeastern coast and has not elected a Democrat to Congress in recent cycles.
The nonpartisan Cook Political Report rates the seat as solidly Republican, meaning whoever wins the Democratic primary will face long odds against the GOP nominee in November. Republicans are also expected to proceed to their own runoff for the seat, with multiple candidates competing for the nomination to succeed Mace.
Lacore's campaign has highlighted her fundraising totals and national endorsements as indicators of viability, though detailed finance reports for this cycle have not yet been fully tabulated by the Federal Election Commission.
The Bottom Line
The June 23 runoff will determine which Democrat faces what is expected to be a well-funded Republican nominee in November. Whoever emerges from the Democratic primary will need to overcome significant electoral headwinds in a district that has consistently voted Republican in federal races.
For Lacore, the race represents an opportunity to transform her Pentagon firing into political capital, running on a platform centered on national security and accountability for military leadership decisions. For Deford, the runoff offers a chance to make his case for more traditional Democratic credentials and local governance experience. The outcome will test whether anti-Hegseth sentiment or conventional party politics resonates more strongly with coastal South Carolina Democrats.