Rear Admiral Nancy Lacore, a three-star navy rear-admiral who was fired by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth last year as part of a purge of senior US military officials, has won the Democratic primary in a closely watched congressional race in South Carolina.
Primary Victory and Runoff
Lacore secured the party’s nomination for the US House of Representatives in South Carolina’s first congressional district on Tuesday after defeating Mac Deford, a US Coast Guard veteran, in a runoff election. Her victory sets the stage for a competitive general election in November, where she will lead an ambitious Democratic bid to flip the Republican-held seat.
District and Opponents
The district is currently represented by Republican Nancy Mace, who chose not to seek re-election and instead focused on her unsuccessful campaign for South Carolina governor. Jenny Costa Honeycutt, a member of the Charleston County Council, secured the Republican nomination for the election on Tuesday. Lacore’s campaign will now target the open seat, aiming to capitalize on the absence of an incumbent.
Background on Hegseth Purge
Lacore was among dozens of officers fired during Hegseth’s ongoing elimination of senior military roles. Hegseth has targeted those considered to have crossed the Trump administration or who do not fit his vision for the armed services. Lacore’s dismissal was part of this broader effort, which has drawn criticism from some veterans and political figures.
Support and Fundraising
Lacore has garnered support from several veterans’ groups and Emily’s List, an organization that backs Democratic pro-choice female candidates. Her campaign has also demonstrated strong fundraising prowess. According to a New York Times analysis of federal campaign finance records, Lacore raised $500,000 in her first two weeks as a candidate and over $1.4 million through late May.
Strategic Backing
Lacore is one of 12 House candidates backed by the Bench, a Democratic strategy group that advises candidates in districts considered harder to win. This support underscores the national Democratic Party’s interest in flipping the seat and the strategic importance of Lacore’s candidacy.
