Fired Admiral Secures Democratic Nomination in Key House Race
Rear Admiral Nancy Lacore, a three-star navy officer who was dismissed by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth during a purge of senior military officials, has won the Democratic primary for South Carolina's first congressional district. The runoff election on Tuesday saw Lacore defeat Mac Deford, a U.S. Coast Guard veteran, to secure the party's nomination.
Lacore's Campaign to Flip Republican Seat
Lacore's victory sets the stage for a high-stakes general election in November, where she will lead an ambitious Democratic effort to flip the Republican-held seat. The district is currently represented by Republican Nancy Mace, who opted not to seek re-election and instead launched an unsuccessful bid for South Carolina governor. Jenny Costa Honeycutt, a member of the Charleston County Council, secured the Republican nomination on Tuesday.
Background of the Hegseth Purge
Lacore was among dozens of officers fired during Hegseth's ongoing elimination of senior military personnel deemed to have crossed the Trump administration or who do not align with the defense secretary's vision for the armed services. Her dismissal was part of a broader shake-up that has drawn criticism from veterans' groups and political opponents.
Support and Fundraising
Lacore has garnered significant backing from veterans' organizations and Emily's List, a group that supports Democratic pro-choice female candidates. According to a New York Times analysis of federal campaign finance records, she raised $500,000 in her first two weeks as a candidate and over $1.4 million through late May. She is also one of 12 House candidates supported by the Bench, a Democratic strategy group advising candidates in districts considered difficult to win.
Looking Ahead to November
With the primary behind her, Lacore will now focus on the general election, where she hopes to capitalize on national Democratic momentum and local dissatisfaction with Republican leadership. The race is expected to be one of the most closely watched in the 2026 midterm elections.
