Democrat Nancy Lacore’s Election Marks a Shift in South Carolina Politics

Democrat Nancy Lacore, a former Navy admiral, is projected to win a House seat in South Carolina. This seat was previously held by a Republican, in a district where President Donald Trump had a strong victory just two years ago. Decision Desk HQ announced Lacore’s projected victory over Republican Jenny Costa Honeycutt in South Carolina’s 1st Congressional District. This was previously held by Republican Representative Nancy Mace, who failed in her bid for governor.

Lacore led by more than 3,300 votes, with unofficial results showing her at 49.65 percent over Honeycutt’s 48.64 percent. The Associated Press had not yet declared the contest’s outcome by Wednesday afternoon.

Lacore said that Honeycutt’s campaign had reached out to concede the race. Honeycutt also thanked her supporters and emphasized her ongoing commitment to her community. “The voters of the Lowcountry have spoken, and they’ve made their choice clear. I’m honored to be the next Congresswoman from South Carolina’s First Congressional District,” Lacore stated.

Lacore’s victory comes after a year since Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth dismissed her from her military post, marking the end of her 35-year career. This victory also signifies a political twist for Hegseth, as Lacore campaigned against his leadership at the Pentagon in a district Trump carried comfortably in 2024.

From Navy Admiral to Congress

Lacore, a retired three-star vice admiral, started her Navy career as a helicopter pilot and eventually led the Navy Reserve, managing around 60,000 sailors. She completed two deployments over her long military career. In August 2025, Hegseth removed her from her position without public explanation, amid several senior officer removals.

She leveraged her military experience and her removal by Hegseth as central points in her congressional campaign. Lacore criticized Hegseth’s management, citing concerns about politics and religion infiltrating the military, which she believed weakened its foundation.

Her critique extended to Hegseth’s handling of the Iran war. Lacore used her national security expertise to campaign in a district that traditionally supported Republicans.

The political landscape made her success notable, given Trump’s 13-point margin in the 2024 election and historical Republican representation, including figures like Senator Tim Scott and former Governor Mark Sanford. “In a district Donald Trump won by 13 points just two years ago, Republicans, Democrats, and Independents came together to demand something better from Washington,” remarked Lacore. She promised to focus on integrity in her new role.

Implications for Hegseth

Lacore’s anticipated success could pose a challenge for Hegseth. The admiral he dismissed is now returning to Washington with a platform to question his leadership. Her win provides Democrats a case to criticize Hegseth, who has been under fire for his Pentagon management and stance on the Iran war.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries stated that a Democratic majority would seek to remove Hegseth.

Race Dynamics and Outcome

The South Carolina race gained competitiveness in its final days. The Cook Political Report shifted its rating from “Lean Republican” to “Toss Up” as Lacore significantly outraised Honeycutt.

Lacore overcame a rigorous Democratic primary, defeating Coast Guard veteran Mac Deford to secure her party’s nomination. On the Republican side, Mace, who left Congress to run for governor, finished fifth in the primary. Mace congratulated Lacore, committing to a smooth transition.

With Mace’s departure, Republicans had to defend a district adjusted to favor the GOP. Despite this, Lacore’s projected victory returns the district to Democratic control, emphasizing Hegseth’s decision to remove her as a pivotal political moment.