Mac Deford
From Ballotpedia
This page was current at the end of the individual's last campaign covered by Ballotpedia. Please contact us with any updates.
Mac Deford (Democratic Party) is running for election to the U.S. House to represent South Carolina's 1st Congressional District. He declared candidacy for the Democratic primary scheduled on June 9, 2026.[source]
Deford completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. Click here to read the survey answers.
Biography
Mac Deford was born in Hinsdale, Illinois, and has lived in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. He served in the U.S. Coast Guard from 2007 to 2012. He earned a bachelor's degree from The Citadel in 2015, a law degree from the Charleston School of Law in 2018, and a graduate degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2024.[1] His career experience includes working as an attorney.[2][3][4]
Elections
2026
See also: South Carolina's 1st Congressional District election, 2026
South Carolina's 1st Congressional District election, 2026 (June 9 Republican primary)
South Carolina's 1st Congressional District election, 2026 (June 9 Democratic primary)
General election
The primary will occur on June 9, 2026. The general election will occur on November 3, 2026. Additional general election candidates will be added here following the primary.
General election for U.S. House South Carolina District 1
William Reeside is running in the general election for U.S. House South Carolina District 1 on November 3, 2026.
Candidate | ||
 | William Reeside (L)  | |
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| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
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Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for U.S. House South Carolina District 1
The following candidates are running in the Democratic primary for U.S. House South Carolina District 1 on June 9, 2026.
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| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
- K.J. Atwood (D)
Republican primary election
Republican primary for U.S. House South Carolina District 1
The following candidates are running in the Republican primary for U.S. House South Carolina District 1 on June 9, 2026.
Candidate | ||
 | Dan Brown | |
| Logan Cunningham | ||
| Tyler Dykes | ||
| Jack Ellison | ||
| Jenny Honeycutt | ||
| Sam McCown | ||
| Alex Pelbath | ||
 | Mark Smith | |
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| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
- Nancy Mace (R)
Endorsements
Ballotpedia is gathering information about candidate endorsements. To send us an endorsement, click here.
2024
See also: South Carolina's 1st Congressional District election, 2024
South Carolina's 1st Congressional District election, 2024 (June 11 Republican primary)
South Carolina's 1st Congressional District election, 2024 (June 11 Democratic primary)
General election
General election for U.S. House South Carolina District 1
Incumbent Nancy Mace defeated Michael B. Moore in the general election for U.S. House South Carolina District 1 on November 5, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | Nancy Mace (R) | 58.2 | 227,502 |
 | Michael B. Moore (D) | 41.6 | 162,582 | |
| Other/Write-in votes | 0.2 | 693 | ||
| Total votes: 390,777 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for U.S. House South Carolina District 1
Michael B. Moore defeated Mac Deford in the Democratic primary for U.S. House South Carolina District 1 on June 11, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Michael B. Moore | 51.6 | 10,893 |
 | Mac Deford | 48.4 | 10,209 | |
| Total votes: 21,102 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
- Benjamin Frasier (D)
Republican primary election
Republican primary for U.S. House South Carolina District 1
Incumbent Nancy Mace defeated Catherine Templeton and Bill Young in the Republican primary for U.S. House South Carolina District 1 on June 11, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Nancy Mace | 56.8 | 28,300 |
 | Catherine Templeton | 29.8 | 14,849 | |
 | Bill Young | 13.4 | 6,691 | |
| Total votes: 49,840 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
- Austin Anderson (R)
- Daniel Hanlon (R)
Endorsements
Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Deford in this election.
Campaign themes
2026
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Mac Deford completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Deford's responses.
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I’m Mac Deford, a U.S. Coast Guard veteran, attorney, and part of a new generation of leadership in the Lowcountry. I enlisted at 18 in the U.S. Coast Guard, learning firsthand what integrity, service, and accountability truly mean. After earning my law degree, I advised some of South Carolina’s top municipalities, helping guide them through crises like COVID-19, securing federal funds, and advancing priorities like coastal protection, infrastructure, and attainable housing.
I’m running for Congress because our district needs practical, service-driven leadership—not performative politics. I’ve lived the challenges working families face, and I’ve spent my career solving problems, defending constitutional principles, and expanding opportunity for the people of the Lowcountry. I believe government should put people over partisanship and focus on issues that actually improve lives.
- Affordability Crisis: Families in the Lowcountry are being priced out. I’m focused on lowering costs for housing, healthcare, and everyday essentials so people can build stable lives and retire with dignity.
- Constitutional Crisis: Our democracy is under strain. As a U.S. Coast Guard veteran and attorney who swore an oath to defend the Constitution, I’ll stand up for the rule of law, checks and balances, and the peaceful transfer of power.
- Corruption Crisis: Washington works for special interests, not people. I’ll fight to ban stock trading by members of Congress, strengthen ethics laws, and make government accountable to the public.
Foreign policy, transportation & infrastructure, environmental conservation, crime prevention, affordable housing, education, and health care.
I look up to leaders who understood that public service is a moral calling. Bobby Kennedy showed what compassion and courage look like in moments of national division, and his belief in justice for every person still inspires me. I admire President James Garfield for his honesty, intellectual rigor, and willingness to confront corruption at a time when it was easier to look the other way. Senator John McCain embodied integrity and sacrifice, and his life reminds me that strength and decency can exist side by side. I also look to John Lewis, whose unwavering commitment to human dignity and voting rights set a standard for moral leadership that few will ever match.
I try to follow their example by leading with fairness, speaking hard truths when necessary, and remembering that public service is about people, not personal ambition.
I try to follow their example by leading with fairness, speaking hard truths when necessary, and remembering that public service is about people, not personal ambition.
An elected official must lead with integrity, honesty, and a commitment to the people they serve. For me, the most important principles are accountability, respect for the Constitution, and a willingness to listen. Public service is about solving problems, not scoring political points, so humility and transparency matter. Leaders should be guided by facts, grounded in fairness, and willing to work across differences to deliver real results. Above all, an elected official must remember that the job is a trust—not a platform—and that every decision should put people before partisanship.
The core responsibilities of a Member of Congress are to uphold the Constitution, represent the people of the district with honesty and independence, and deliver results that improve their daily lives. That means writing and voting on laws that strengthen our economy, protect our freedoms, and keep our nation safe. It means providing effective constituent services, ensuring federal agencies are responsive, and helping people navigate real problems. It also means exercising oversight over the executive branch and guarding against abuses of power. Ultimately, the job is to listen, lead, and put the interests of the Lowcountry first.
I want to leave a legacy of service that made life better for the people of the Lowcountry. I hope to be remembered as someone who put integrity ahead of politics, who listened, who worked hard, and who never forgot the families and communities I served. I want my legacy to reflect real progress on issues like affordability, coastal protection, and economic opportunity, and a commitment to strengthening our democracy for the next generation. If people can say I helped restore trust in public leadership and left things a little better than I found them, that would be enough.
9/11 terrorist attacks. I was in 7th grade math class.
I worked on my family's farm during the summer throughout my childhood.
My favorite book is The Past That Would Not Die by Walter Lord. I value it because Lord examines one of the most difficult chapters in our history with honesty, clarity, and a deep respect for the truth. He shows how the legacy of racial injustice continues to shape our country and why confronting that history is essential to building a more just society. The book reminds me that real progress requires both moral courage and an unflinching look at where we have fallen short. It has shaped the way I think about public service and the responsibility we have to learn from the past while working toward a better future.
One of the biggest struggles in my life has been coping with the lingering effects of some of the search and rescue cases I handled during my time in the United States Coast Guard. Serving as a responder meant witnessing tragedy up close, and there were cases that stayed with me long after the missions ended. I did not have the vocabulary for it at the time, but looking back, I carried symptoms of PTSD that I tried to push aside rather than address.
What helped me was finally acknowledging it, talking about it, and realizing that many veterans and first responders face similar challenges. It reminded me that strength is not avoiding difficult experiences but learning how to live with them in a healthy way. It also deepened my commitment to supporting mental health resources for service members, veterans, and anyone who carries trauma from serving their community.
What helped me was finally acknowledging it, talking about it, and realizing that many veterans and first responders face similar challenges. It reminded me that strength is not avoiding difficult experiences but learning how to live with them in a healthy way. It also deepened my commitment to supporting mental health resources for service members, veterans, and anyone who carries trauma from serving their community.
The House is unique because it is closest to the people. Members serve short terms, represent smaller geographical areas, and are expected to stay directly connected to the daily lives and concerns of their constituents. The House is designed to be the nation’s most responsive democratic institution, where diverse communities and viewpoints come together to debate ideas in real time. Its power of the purse and its central role in legislative oversight give it a critical responsibility in safeguarding our democracy. At its best, the House reflects the full energy, complexity, and urgency of the American people.
Yes, I believe experience in government or public service can be highly beneficial, because it helps a representative understand how policy is made, how federal agencies work, and how to navigate complex issues on behalf of constituents. That said, experience alone is not enough. What matters just as much is judgment, integrity, and a genuine commitment to serving the people—not a political class. I’ve worked in local government and as an attorney advising communities across the Lowcountry, and that experience taught me how to solve problems, cut through bureaucracy, and deliver results. The right kind of experience can make a representative more effective from day one.
Over the next decade, the United States faces challenges that will define our future. We must prepare for the impact of artificial intelligence on jobs and the economy, ensuring innovation doesn’t leave workers behind. Climate change threatens our coasts, our farms, and our national security, and we need serious, practical action to protect our communities. China’s growing influence and aggression demand a stronger, more coordinated American strategy rooted in diplomacy, economic competitiveness, and military readiness. At home, rising health care costs continue to strain families and small businesses, and the lack of attainable housing is pricing people out of the very communities they serve. How we confront these challenges will determine whether the next generation inherits a stronger nation or a more divided one.
I respect the purpose behind the two-year term, but I believe moving to a three- or four-year term would better serve the country. The current cycle forces representatives into nonstop campaigning, which can pull focus away from governing and long-term problem solving. A slightly longer term would allow members to spend more time legislating, providing oversight, and delivering for their constituents while still maintaining strong accountability. We can keep the House responsive to the people without requiring members to run for re-election the moment they take office.
I support term limits for Members of Congress. No one should make a lifelong career out of holding power, and our democracy is stronger when new voices and new ideas have a real chance to lead. Term limits help reduce entrenched influence, curb corruption, and keep elected officials focused on serving the people rather than securing their own political futures. I believe public service should be a season of duty, not a destination, and term limits are an important step toward restoring accountability and trust in our government.
While he wasn’t a member of the House, I’ve always looked to Senator Bobby Kennedy as a model for what public service should be. He led with compassion, moral courage, and an unwavering commitment to justice, especially for people who felt unheard or left behind. He wasn’t afraid to speak hard truths, to challenge entrenched power, or to bring people together in moments of deep division. I admire how he blended toughness with empathy and idealism with action. I try to carry that same spirit of service—grounded in fairness, dignity, and a belief that we owe each other more than politics often delivers.
Yes. One story stays with me. I learned that the widow of Senior Chief Terrell Edwin Horne III lives in my district. Horne was a Coast Guard hero who gave his life in December 2012 while protecting our country during a law enforcement mission off the California coast. When a suspected smuggling vessel intentionally struck his boat, he pushed his coxswain out of harm’s way and saved his life. He left behind a wife and two young sons.
As a Coast Guard veteran, his story is deeply personal. It reminds me that service is not theoretical. It is real people, real courage, and real sacrifice. Meeting members of his family brought that home for me. It strengthened my belief that those of us who seek public office must lead with integrity, protect those who protect us, and honor the families who bear the cost of service.
As a Coast Guard veteran, his story is deeply personal. It reminds me that service is not theoretical. It is real people, real courage, and real sacrifice. Meeting members of his family brought that home for me. It strengthened my belief that those of us who seek public office must lead with integrity, protect those who protect us, and honor the families who bear the cost of service.
Yes. Compromise is not only necessary, it’s often the only way to deliver meaningful results. I believe in standing firm on core values like constitutional rights and basic fairness, but solving real problems requires listening, finding common ground, and working with people who don’t always agree with you. In the Coast Guard and as an attorney, I learned that progress happens when you focus on the mission, not the politics. Good policy comes from cooperation, honest negotiation, and a willingness to put people ahead of party.
The House’s power to originate revenue bills is a responsibility I take seriously. If elected, I would use that authority to advance tax and budget policies that genuinely help working families in the Lowcountry. That includes protecting Social Security and Medicare, investing in housing and coastal resilience, and creating a tax system that is fair and transparent.
It also means rejecting policies that function as hidden taxes. Trump’s tariff policy is a prime example. His tariffs raised prices on everyday goods, increased costs for small businesses, and placed an added burden on families who were already struggling. Independent analyses have shown that these tariffs slowed economic growth and reduced real wages. A revenue system should lift people up, not make life more expensive.
The investigative power of the House is an essential safeguard in our system of checks and balances. It should be used responsibly and with a focus on the public interest, not as a political weapon. I believe the House should use this authority to uncover waste, fraud, and abuse, to ensure that taxpayer dollars are used wisely, and to hold both government officials and private actors accountable when they violate the law or betray the public trust.
Oversight should be rooted in facts, guided by the Constitution, and aimed at strengthening government rather than scoring points for cable news. As a former federal law enforcement officer and attorney, I understand the importance of thorough, fair, and honest investigations. The goal should always be truth, accountability, and better governance for the people we serve.
Oversight should be rooted in facts, guided by the Constitution, and aimed at strengthening government rather than scoring points for cable news. As a former federal law enforcement officer and attorney, I understand the importance of thorough, fair, and honest investigations. The goal should always be truth, accountability, and better governance for the people we serve.
Gov. Martin O'Malley; Congressman Tim Kennedy, State Senator Ed Sutton, Mount Pleasant Town Council Member Daniel Brownstein, Hilton Head Island Town Council Member Steven Alfred, and Harvard College Democrats, so far.
The federal government should play an active and responsible role in the development and use of artificial intelligence. AI will shape our economy, our national security, and our daily lives, so we cannot leave this entirely to private industry. I believe the government must set clear rules that protect workers, safeguard personal data, and prevent AI from being used in ways that threaten civil liberties. We also need standards that ensure fairness, transparency, and accountability in both public and private use of these technologies.
At the same time, the government should support research and innovation so the United States remains a global leader. We need thoughtful regulation that protects people without stifling progress. AI has enormous potential to improve health care, energy, national defense, and economic growth, but only if we guide its development with care and a firm commitment to the public good.
At the same time, the government should support research and innovation so the United States remains a global leader. We need thoughtful regulation that protects people without stifling progress. AI has enormous potential to improve health care, energy, national defense, and economic growth, but only if we guide its development with care and a firm commitment to the public good.
I would support legislation that strengthens the integrity and accessibility of our elections. That begins with protecting the right to vote and ensuring that every eligible voter can participate without unnecessary barriers. I believe in national standards for early voting, secure and convenient voter registration, and paper ballot requirements that reinforce public confidence.
Independent redistricting commissions are also important. Voters should choose their representatives, not the other way around, and removing politicians from the map-drawing process is one of the best ways to restore trust in our democracy.
Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
2024
Mac Deford completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2023. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Deford's responses.
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At 34 years old, I represent a new wave of American leadership. I served honorably in the U.S. Coast Guard as a federal law enforcement officer and search and rescue crewman. Later, I went on to graduate from The Citadel and Charleston School of Law, and will soon complete my MBA from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. My experience spans both corporate and public sectors. As an attorney, I advised top executives for a publicly-traded software company in Charleston, then later served as Associate General Counsel for the Town of Mount Pleasant and General Counsel for the Town of Hilton Head Island. With a foundation built on service, I am eager to bring forward-thinking solutions to the challenges of our times.
- Service Beyond Self. From my service in the U.S. Coast Guard to tackling complex issues for some of South Carolina's most notable municipalities, I've consistently put people first. This unwaivering commitment to public service is what drives my desire to serve South Carolina's 1st Congressional District in Washington.
- A New Era of Leadership. Representing a new generation doesn't just mean a change in age, but a change in vision and approach. I'm commitment to transparent and innovative leadership to find solutions to the challenges of our times.
- Actions Over Words. From the Coast Guard to serving our communities as a lawyer, I stand for leadership that doesn't just plan, but actively executes and delivers for every member of our community.
Defending Women's Reproductive Rights. My maternal grandmother lost her life at age 32 in the 1960s following a backroom abortion because she was denied access to safe reproductive healthcare. Her story serves as a stark reminder of the dire consequences of denying women their right to choose. Her death forced my mother into a broken foster care system at age 5 1/2, further highlighting the impact of extreme abortion bans. I am staunchly committed to the codification of a federal protection guaranteeing women the right to make their own healthcare decisions.
Strengthening Public Education. I believe that education forms the cornerstone of our society. We must urgently invest heavily in this area. I am an advocate for federal support in education, which includes increasing funding for public schools and elevating standards of education, ensuring every child has a chance for a brighter future.
The Past That Would Not Die, by Walter Lord.
Integrity, transparency, and a dedication to public service.
I am deeply compassionate and genuinely care about people and our communities. This compassion, however, does not detract from my determination or willpower. When faced with challenges or when advocating for the rights of our citizens, I am a fierce fighter. Throughout my life and career, I take with all seriousness responsibility that I am entrusted with. I believe in the sanctity of responsibility and the commitments that I am counted on to follow out.
(1) To be a spokesperson for the district; to shine a spotlight on the people and communities that are thriving as well as those who need our support; and (2) to be an advocate, fighting for what the district needs.
Yes, I think it is imperative.
Managing technological advancements and climate change.
No, I believe a 4 year term would be more effective and appropriate.
I support term limits.
Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
Campaign website
Deford’s campaign website stated the following:
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Unfortunately, our current representative in U.S. Congress, Nancy Mace, seems to lack authentic commitment to the Lowcountry. Her focus appears to be more on her personal objectives rather than addressing the concerns of her constituents. The disparity between her speeches on the Capitol steps and her voting record on the House floor has left many feeling disregarded and unrepresented. The Lowcountry deserves real leadership.
In Congress, Mac will prioritize the needs of the people as he has done throughout his life both in uniform and as a civilian. He will champion practical solutions that bring us together, enhance the security of our communities, and ensure a brighter future for our children. Here are several issues that Mac will tackle:
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| —Mac Deford's campaign website (2024)[6] | ||
Campaign finance summary
Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.
See also
2026 Elections
External links
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Candidate U.S. House South Carolina District 1 |
Personal |
Footnotes
- ↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia via email on November 10, 2025.
- ↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on September 27, 2023
- ↑ Mac Deford for Congress, "Meet Mac Deford," accessed June 3, 2024
- ↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on December 2, 2025
- ↑ Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
- ↑ Mac Deford’s campaign website, “Why I'm Running” accessed June 4, 2024
Senators
Lindsey Graham (R)
Tim Scott (R)
Representatives
District 1
Nancy Mace (R)
District 2
Joe Wilson (R)
District 3
Sheri Biggs (R)
District 4
William Timmons (R)
District 5
Ralph Norman (R)
District 6
James Clyburn (D)
District 7
Russell Fry (R)
Republican Party (8)
Democratic Party (1)
