Democrat Mac Deford Announces 2026 Bid for South Carolina 1st District

Mac Deford, a U.S. Coast Guard veteran, attorney, and former law enforcement officer, has announced his candidacy for South Carolina’s 1st Congressional District in the 2026 election following Rep. Nancy Mace’s gubernatorial bid, which leaves the seat open. Deford, who narrowly lost the 2024 Democratic primary, is positioning himself as a practical, non-partisan problem solver focused on issues such as infrastructure investment, affordable housing, veterans’ issues, and protecting Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. He emphasizes his record of bipartisan cooperation and local government experience, including leading Hilton Head’s workforce housing initiative and securing FEMA funds for disaster recovery. Despite recent redistricting favoring Republicans, Deford remains optimistic about flipping the district, noting its trend toward becoming more competitive. He has launched his campaign early to build broad support and investment from both local voters and national stakeholders, aiming to represent a district that has only rarely elected a Democrat since the 1970s. Deford’s campaign centers on service, integrity, and addressing the needs of Lowcountry families rather than political ambition.