Mac Deford

Mac Deford

Democratic Party

Candidate, U.S. House South Carolina District 1

Elections and appointments

Next election

November 3, 2026

Education

Bachelor's

The Citadel, 2015

Law

Charleston School of Law, 2018

Military

Service / branch

U.S. Coast Guard

Years of service

2007 - 2012

Personal

Birthplace

Hinsdale, Ill.

Religion

Christian

Profession

Attorney

Contact

Campaign website

Campaign Facebook

Campaign Twitter

Campaign Instagram

Personal Facebook

Personal Instagram

Personal LinkedIn

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 2026 election.^[source]

Biography

Mac Deford was born in Hinsdale, Illinois, and lives 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 and a law degree from the Charleston School of Law in 2018. His career experience includes working as an attorney.

Elections

2026

See also: South Carolina's 1st Congressional District election, 2026

Note: At this time, Ballotpedia is combining all declared candidates for this election into one list under a general election heading. As primary election dates are published, this information will be updated to separate general election candidates from primary candidates as appropriate.

General election

The general election will occur on November 3, 2026.

General election for U.S. House South Carolina District 1

The following candidates are running in the general election for U.S. House South Carolina District 1 on November 3, 2026.

		Candidate
	Submit photo	Robert Beers (D)
		Mac Deford (D)
		Max Diaz (D)
	Submit photo	Mayra Rivera-Vazquez (D)
	Submit photo	Jack Ellison (R)
	Submit photo	Sam McCown (R)
	Submit photo	Alex Pelbath (R)
		Mark Smith (R)

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined.
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates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

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	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

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	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	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

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	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 has not yet completed Ballotpedia's 2026 Candidate Connection survey. If you are Mac Deford, click here to fill out Ballotpedia's 2026 Candidate Connection survey.

Who fills out Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey?

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You can ask Mac Deford to fill out this survey by using the button below.

2024

Mac Deford completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2023. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Deford's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Expand all | Collapse all

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

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.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

• 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.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

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.

Championing Youth Engagement. The sit-in movement, which resulted in the Civil Rights Act of 1964, started with a few college students. I am a fervent believer in the potential of our younger generation. Every era has its defining challenge, and it appears that my generation is rallying around the dignity of the individual. I am committed to the inclusion of our nation's youth in shaping the future of America.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

The Past That Would Not Die, by Walter Lord.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Integrity, transparency, and a dedication to public service.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

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.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

(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.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics?

Yes, I think it is imperative.

What do you perceive to be the United States’ greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?

Managing technological advancements and climate change.

Do you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives?

No, I believe a 4 year term would be more effective and appropriate.

What are your thoughts on term limits?

I support term limits.

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

Yes.

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:

“	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: Equal access to quality education is a moral and national obligation we must meet. Mac is dedicated to increasing teacher pay, getting politics out of the classroom, expanding access to broadband internet, and ensuring proper public school funding. South Carolina ranks near the bottom of the list when it comes to education, leaving our children among the least competitive in a modern, complex society. It is time for Congress to step up to the plate and help our children succeed. Every human being should have affordable access to quality healthcare. The Lowcountry is home to some of the most prestigious medical institutions in the Southeastern United States, yet many of our citizens lack access to basic healthcare services. Ensuring healthcare for all is not only a moral obligation, but it also fortifies a stronger country by promoting a healthier, more productive population, reducing the economic burden of preventable illness, and fostering social equality in healthcare access and outcomes. Mac will actively advocate for equal access to healthcare that expands coverage, addresses disparities in care, and invests in public health initiatives, thus bridging the gap between the Lowcountry’s esteemed medical institutions and the citizens in need of essential healthcare services. You should be able to live where you work. Mac will fight for legislation that promotes the development of attainable housing, including the facilitation of public-private partnerships. He will advocate for programs that cultivate collaboration between governments and the private sector, leading to innovative, economically viable, sustainable, and safe housing options for individuals and families seeking to reside in the communities in which they work. Women should have control over their own bodies. We should be standing up to big government interventions that are putting politicians between women and their physicians. Steadfast opposition to extreme abortion bans and severe criminal penalties, including the death sentence for abortions, is essential in preserving female reproductive rights and personal agency. Mac will fight to prevent these government overreaches by advocating for policies that protect and uphold women’s reproductive rights. Everyone should feel safe in their communities. It is time for Congress to act to implement common sense gun reform legislation, such as universal background checks and closing the Charleston loophole. As a former law enforcement officer, Mac is committed to strengthening support for law enforcement by advocating for enhanced training programs, improved community engagement initiatives, and equipping police officers with the necessary resources and skills to maintain public safety while fostering trust and positive relationships with the communities they serve. We must devote ourselves to preserving our environment and battling climate change. Mac will champion extensive environmental policies and forward-thinking strategies that tackle the complex dimensions of climate change, such as minimizing greenhouse gas emissions, encouraging the adoption of renewable energy, allocating resources to climate-resilient infrastructure, and safeguarding our natural ecosystems for a sustainable future. The right to vote shall not be infringed. As your representative, Mac will be firmly committed to safeguarding voting rights for all citizens by advocating for legislation that eliminates barriers to voting, ensures equal access to the ballot box, and combats voter suppression and discrimination. In doing so, Mac will support initiatives that modernize and streamline the voting process, such as expanding early voting and vote-by-mail options, ensuring that every citizen can participate in our democracy conveniently and securely, further reinforcing the fundamental right to vote. The era of choosing leaders who foster bipartisanship and civility in government must begin now. The reality TV-style of politics today is unsustainable and does not promote the well-being of our nation. Ultimately, we all share the same environment and desire a better future for the generations to come. Mac is dedicated to reviving a sense of bipartisanship and respectful discourse in the political arena.	”
—Mac Deford's campaign website (2024)

Campaign finance summary

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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.

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Mac Deford campaign contribution history

Year	Office	Status	Contributions	Expenditures
2026*	U.S. House South Carolina District 1	Candidacy Declared general	$0	N/A**
2024*	U.S. House South Carolina District 1	Lost primary	$472,600	$472,600
Grand total			$472,600	$472,600
Sources: OpenSecrets,  Federal Elections Commission ***This product uses the openFEC API but is not endorsed or certified by the Federal Election Commission (FEC).
* Data from this year may not be complete
** Data on expenditures is not available for this election cycle
Note: Totals above reflect only available data.

See also

2026 Elections

What's on the ballot? U.S. Congress U.S. Congress special elections State executives State legislatures State courts Ballot measures Municipal government School boards Election analysis hub

Government

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External links

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Candidate

U.S. House South Carolina District 1

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Footnotes

[show]

South Carolina's current delegation to the United States Congress

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)