South Carolina's 1st Congressional District election, 2026
|
← 2024
|
| South Carolina's 1st Congressional District |
|---|
 |
| General election |
| Election details |
| Filing deadline: Pending |
| Primary: Pending General: November 3, 2026 |
| How to vote |
| Poll times:
7 a.m. to 7 p.m. |
| Race ratings |
DDHQ and The Hill: Pending Inside Elections: Solid Republican Sabato's Crystal Ball: Safe Republican |
| Ballotpedia analysis |
| U.S. Senate battlegrounds U.S. House battlegrounds Federal and state primary competitiveness Ballotpedia's Election Analysis Hub, 2026 |
| See also |
U.S. Senate • 1st • 2nd • 3rd • 4th • 5th • 6th • 7th South Carolina elections, 2026 U.S. Congress elections, 2026 U.S. Senate elections, 2026 U.S. House elections, 2026 |
All U.S. House districts, including the 1st Congressional District of South Carolina, are holding elections in 2026. The general election is November 3, 2026. To learn more about other elections on the ballot, click here.
Candidates and election results
Note: The following list includes official candidates only. Ballotpedia defines official candidates as people who:
- Register with a federal or state campaign finance agency before the candidate filing deadline
- Appear on candidate lists released by government election agencies
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 | ||
| Robert Beers (D) | ||
 | Mac Deford (D) | |
 | Max Diaz (D)  | |
| Matthew Fulmer (D) | ||
 | Mayra Rivera-Vazquez (D) | |
| Dan Brown (South Carolina) (R) | ||
| Jack Ellison (R) | ||
| Sam McCown (R) | ||
| Alex Pelbath (R) | ||
 | Mark Smith (R) | |
| ||||
| = 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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates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)
Candidate profiles
This section includes candidate profiles that may be created in one of two ways: either the candidate completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey, or Ballotpedia staff may compile a profile based on campaign websites, advertisements, and public statements after identifying the candidate as noteworthy. For more on how we select candidates to include, click here.
Party: Democratic Party
Incumbent: No
Political Office: None
Submitted Biography: "I was born in Buffalo, NY in 2000 and have been a resident of Hanahan, SC since I entered seventh grade in 2012. I developed the itch to serve my community in the Scouting Program where I dedicated much of my time to personal growth and community service, eventually becoming an Eagle Scout. I continued my support of the Scouting Program by becoming an assistant scoutmaster in my old troop and mentoring those who came after me. After graduating from Hanahan High School in 2018 with a focus on Engineering, I earned my Aircraft Mechanic’s license and an associate degree from Trident Technical College. In 2022, I graduated from Southern Illinois University, earning a bachelor’s degree in aviation technology. I earned my Private Pilot License in 2023. As far back as Middle School, I have continuously and ardently followed news of the political, economic, and societal issues facing America. I have made it a habit to always stay educated on these issues so I could be an informed voter and an informed voice to those around me. I am a thoroughly working-class individual, with all of my formal higher education being dedicated to my blue-collar trade. I know very well what it’s like to experience the financial worries of the average American. I believe my life as a well-informed working-class citizen makes me the ideal candidate to take our issues to Washington and fight for them, tooth and nail."
Party: Democratic Party
Incumbent: No
Political Office: None
Submitted Biography: "I am a proven leader, a lifelong advocate for equity, a loyal wife of a U.S. Army veteran, and a proud daughter of Puerto Rican parents who instilled in me the values of hard work, service, and resilience. I have called South Carolina home for over a decade. I am running for Congress because I believe the Lowcountry deserves a representative who listens, leads compassionately, and fights for bold, transformative change — not just partisan soundbites. I grew up in a lower-middle-class household in the heart of Puerto Rico. I watched my parents nurture their community. I was inspired to work hard, to serve, and to take action. I am a first-generation college graduate, having earned a bachelor’s in economics, a juris doctor in law, and a master’s degree in international law, foreign trade, and international relations. While my husband was on active duty, I used my knowledge of the law to serve fellow service members and their families. In South Carolina, I have worked as a community organizer, nonprofit adviser, and legal assistant at an immigration law firm. I have traveled across the state, building coalitions in rural towns and urban centers, championing reproductive rights, environmental justice, affordable health care, and public education. I am here to fight for all of us. My campaign is powered by working families, young people, veterans, and everyday South Carolinians who are ready to build a future rooted in justice, opportunity, and dignity for all."
Voting information
- See also: Voting in South Carolina
Ballotpedia will publish the dates and deadlines related to this election as they are made available.
Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey responses
Ballotpedia asks all federal, state, and local candidates to complete a survey and share what motivates them on political and personal levels. The section below shows responses from candidates in this race who completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
Survey responses from candidates in this race
Click on a candidate's name to visit their Ballotpedia page.
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.
| Collapse all
Max Diaz (D)
This campaign is based on a pragmatic approach to serving Americans. I do not and will not blindly serve the will of any ideology, politician, or special interest. I am strictly interested in enacting carefully considered legislation that will solve real, practical problems and better the lives of average Americans.
The best time was yesterday; the second-best time is today. There will never be a better time to put aside party differences and support candidates across the nation who will put the needs of the average, working class American first and foremost at all times. Corporate and elite interests are not the lifeblood of America, we working citizens are the lifeblood of America. It’s time the government considered the needs of the many rather than the greed of the few.
Every South Carolinian deserves quality, affordable health care, yet too many are left behind as hospitals close, doctors leave the state, and prescription costs soar. As the mother of a nonverbal autistic child and the wife of an Army veteran, I have seen the struggles families face firsthand. In Congress, I will fight to expand Medicaid, reduce drug prices, and protect reproductive health care so patients and doctors—not politicians—make medical decisions. I will work to sustain rural hospitals, improve services for veterans, and expand support for people with disabilities. Health care is deeply personal for me, and I will always stand up for families across the Lowcountry.
I believe our nation needs immigration policies that are fair, practical, and humane. Current approaches that rely on fear and chaos have failed families and businesses while undermining our economy. As a proud American and the daughter of Latino parents, I know diversity makes us stronger. In Congress, I will fight for common-sense immigration reform that secures our borders while creating clear, legal pathways for families and workers. I will oppose policies that terrorize communities and instead support solutions that protect children, keep families together, and provide businesses with the talent they need to grow. I will always fight for policies that reflect America’s values of opportunity, fairness, and compassion.
Max Diaz (D)
Releasing the stranglehold of private equity on the housing market. Large scale home and rental buyup by massive firms has driven housing prices far beyond the point of affordability for everyday Americans.
Consumer Data Protections. In today's information economy, we are now effectively the product. Our private information should not be a commodity that is bought and sold for the purpose of manipulating consumers and getting people addicted to social media algorithms.
Max Diaz (D)
When I was younger, seeing her on the national stage meant something profound. She didn’t look or sound like the politicians we were used to seeing — she sounded like home. She spoke about community, fairness, and opportunity, but also about the dignity and struggles of working families and immigrants. She showed that leadership could be fierce and empathetic at the same time.
I also look up to the many women — famous and not — who balance public service with the demands of motherhood, caregiving, and community life. Their example reminds me that leadership is not about perfection, but perseverance. It’s about showing up, even when it’s hard, and making space for others to be seen.
If elected, I want to follow that example — to serve with integrity, to listen deeply, and to be a voice for people who have too often been ignored. I want to show that Congress can look like the communities it serves — that a Latina from Puerto Rico, a mother of a child with autism, can stand on the House floor and speak for families across the Lowcountry and across this country.
I look up to those who prove that progress and compassion are not opposites, but partners — and I hope my own example will help the next generation of young women, especially Latinas, believe that they belong in the rooms where decisions are made.
Max Diaz (D)
Equally important is empathy. Leaders must be able to listen, truly listen, to the struggles of the people they represent. As a mother of a nonverbal autistic son, a grandmother, and the wife of a veteran, I know what it feels like to fight for health care, to worry about the cost of groceries or rent, and to navigate systems that don’t work for everyone. Empathy allows elected officials to see past the headlines and statistics and focus on how policies touch real families.
An elected official also needs courage. Too often, politicians choose the safe path, following polls or donors instead of their conscience. Real leadership requires standing up when it matters most—whether that means protecting reproductive freedom and access to abortion, fighting for fair wages, or defending our democracy itself.
Practicality matters as well. The challenges we face in the Lowcountry—flooding, the rising cost of living, health care access, and immigration—don’t need more political games. They need solutions. That’s why I believe an elected official should have the skills and willingness to bring people together across differences, focus on results, and get things done. My work as an economist and nonprofit leader has shown me that progress happens when we stop fighting over who gets credit and start focusing on who needs help.
Finally, humility is essential. No one person has all the answers, and the best leaders never forget they are servants, not rulers. They should be open to learning, to admitting mistakes, and to drawing strength from the voices of the people.
Max Diaz (D)
An elected official must listen. Too often, politicians go to Washington and forget where they came from. Listening means holding town halls, meeting with people in every corner of the district, and being accessible to all constituents, not just a privileged few. It means hearing directly from families about their health care challenges, small business owners about their economic struggles, and veterans about the services they’ve been denied.
Second, the job is to fight for resources and policies that improve lives. In the Lowcountry, that means bringing home federal investments for infrastructure, protecting the coastline from flooding and offshore drilling, supporting military families and veterans, and ensuring schools and workforce programs have the funding they need. A representative’s duty is to advocate for their community in every committee room and on every vote.
Third, an elected official must protect the rights and freedoms of their constituents. That includes defending reproductive freedom, voting rights, equal opportunity, and access to affordable health care. It also means standing up against efforts to divide or weaken our democracy.
Fourth, there is a responsibility to govern with honesty and transparency. That means being clear about priorities, explaining decisions, and remaining accountable. Trust is earned, and it can only be kept by showing up consistently and putting the people first in every action.
For me, the role is clear: to listen, to fight for resources, to protect freedoms, to lead with honesty, and to work for unity to get results. That is how I will serve the people of the Lowcountry.
Max Diaz (D)
Throughout this campaign, I’ve heard countless people across the district say things like, “We’ve never had someone like you represent us.” Or, “My daughter saw your photo and said, ‘She looks like me.’” Those words move me every time. Because that’s what this is really about — showing people that leadership doesn’t belong to one group, one party, or one kind of person. It belongs to all of us.
My legacy will be measured not only in legislation passed but in the doors opened. I want to be remembered as someone who gave others the courage to lead — who made public service feel accessible to working families, single mothers, immigrants, and anyone who ever felt unseen or unheard.
I want to build a legacy of action and compassion — fighting for policies that lift families out of poverty, protect women’s health and rights, make our democracy stronger, and ensure that every child in the Lowcountry and beyond grows up knowing that their voice matters.
If, years from now, a young woman stands up to run for office because she saw someone like her do it first, then that will be my legacy — proving that representation isn’t just about identity; it’s about possibility. It’s about reminding people that America’s strength has always come from the diversity of those willing to serve it.Even as a child, I could sense that something important was happening — people were passionate, engaged, and debating ideas that would shape the island for decades. That was my first understanding of politics as something living and powerful — not abstract, but personal, because it touched families, jobs, and the direction of our country.
That experience sparked my lifelong belief that democracy only works when people care enough to participate. It’s one of the reasons I’m running for Congress today — to make sure that same sense of hope, voice, and possibility is alive for every family, from Puerto Rico to the Lowcountry.My work focused on preparing federal proposals for infrastructure, housing, and road improvements, and on conducting socioeconomic surveys in low-income communities to identify urgent needs for affordable housing and sewer systems. I spent time listening to residents, documenting living conditions, and translating their realities into data that could drive federal investment.
That experience taught me that government can be a powerful force for good when it listens to people and acts with compassion and integrity. I saw how smart planning and well-designed programs could transform neighborhoods — bringing clean water, safer streets, and dignity to families who had been forgotten for too long.
It also deepened my belief that economic policy is not just about numbers — it’s about people. Working at the local level gave me a front-row view of how decisions made in Washington directly impact daily life in our communities. It reinforced my commitment to public service and inspired my lifelong mission to make sure that every dollar invested truly improves the lives of those who need it most.
That first job in Caguas grounded me in the values I carry today: equity, accountability, and respect for the people whose stories don’t always make the headlines — but whose lives are the foundation of our democracy.As a Puerto Rican woman who came from the island and built a life here in the Lowcountry, I felt every page of that story. It’s about resilience, identity, and the courage to redefine yourself while holding onto your roots. It’s about a mother’s love, the power of language, and the determination to succeed despite barriers.
Santiago’s story reminds me that representation matters — that our voices, our culture, and our experiences deserve to be part of the American story. Her words capture what it feels like to love an island deeply, to carry it with you wherever you go, and to fight for the right to be seen and heard.
That’s what this campaign means to me as well — making sure that every person in the Lowcountry, no matter where they come from, sees that their story belongs here too.As a Latina, a mother, and a woman who’s spent her life fighting for fairness and opportunity, I connect deeply with the idea of leading with both heart and conviction. Wonder Woman doesn’t fight for herself — she fights for others, especially those who can’t fight for themselves. That’s the kind of leadership I believe in.
In Congress, I want to bring that same spirit — the courage to stand up for what’s right even when it’s hard, the empathy to listen to people’s struggles, and the determination to build a world where kindness and justice are not seen as weaknesses but as strengths.
To me, being Wonder Woman isn’t about perfection — it’s about persistence, purpose, and the belief that every act of service, no matter how small, can change the world.Every day, I watch my son navigate a world that was not built to include him. He communicates in his own way, and every small victory feels monumental. I’ll never forget the first time he looked into my eyes and truly recognized me—a moment most parents take for granted but that, for us, was a milestone. From learning to eat with a fork to walking across the stage at graduation, each step forward has required strength, resilience, and a community of love.
That’s why it was so painful to hear Donald Trump’s recent remarks about autism—comments that dismissed the lived experiences of thousands of families like mine. His words reopened wounds that so many parents have worked years to heal. They didn’t just offend; they isolated. They rolled back progress toward understanding and inclusion.
As a mother, I have learned that advocacy can be exhausting but essential. As a candidate, I know we need leaders who lead with empathy, guided by truth and compassion. In Congress, I will fight to fully fund the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), expand early intervention and therapy access, and support families through respite care and inclusive education.
Every child—no matter their neurotype—deserves dignity, opportunity, and the chance to be seen for their potential, not their diagnosis. Our children are listening. Our words matter. And this mom will not be silent.Another quality that makes the House unique is the diversity of voices it brings together. With 435 members, the House reflects the full range of America’s experiences. In our district, that diversity includes fast-growing suburbs in Dorchester and Berkeley, historic Gullah Geechee communities in Charleston, and military families and retirees in Beaufort. Each has different needs, but all deserve to be represented. The House was built to carry those voices directly into national debates. The House also holds the “power of the purse.” That constitutional responsibility to originate spending bills gives the Lowcountry a direct line in shaping how federal dollars are invested. For example, funding decisions can determine whether Berkeley County roads keep up with growth, whether Beaufort’s rural health clinics remain open, whether Charleston receives critical resilience dollars to prevent flooding, or whether Dorchester classrooms get the federal support they need to serve a growing student population.
Another unique responsibility of the House is to hold leaders accountable. Through oversight hearings and investigations, the House checks abuses of power and ensures government works for the people. The House’s strength lies in its closeness to the people. It is the people’s house, along with every community across the Lowcountry.
Max Diaz (D)
Max Diaz (D)
At the same time, we face urgent issues that demand leadership grounded in both courage and compassion — protecting our planet and coastal communities from climate change, defending reproductive and voting rights, rebuilding our public health and education systems, and managing the rapid rise of technology and artificial intelligence responsibly.
Meeting these challenges will require more than slogans. It will require leaders who tell the truth, who listen, and who put people above politics. I believe the next decade will test our resolve — but it can also be the decade when we recommit to fairness, decency, and the shared promise of democracy in America.
Max Diaz (D)
Max Diaz (D)
One major issue with term limits is that they take power away from voters. If a community believes their representative is doing a good job, they should have the right to keep sending that person to Washington. Arbitrary limits would deny people the chance to keep an effective advocate. Democracy works best when voters decide, not when the calendar does.
Term limits also risk shifting influence from elected officials to unelected insiders. When experienced lawmakers are forced out, lobbyists, bureaucrats, and political staff often gain more control, because they don’t face voters at all. That can weaken accountability and hand more power to special interests.
Another concern is the loss of institutional knowledge. Congress is complex, with arcane rules, powerful committees, and complicated negotiations. It takes time to learn how to navigate the system effectively for a district. Constant turnover means fewer representatives with the expertise needed to fight for resources, shape legislation, or hold federal agencies accountable. That inexperience can leave communities like the Lowcountry at a disadvantage compared to regions represented by more seasoned members.
Finally, term limits can make elected officials short-sighted. If someone knows they can only serve a few years, they may focus on quick wins rather than investing in long-term solutions for their district.
The better answer is stronger ethics rules, fairer elections, and campaign finance reform so voters have real choices. When elections are competitive and transparent, voters can decide when it’s time for change.One story that stayed with me was from Lacey Lane, a mother and educator from South Carolina. Lacey shared that her second child developed a dangerous brain anomaly in utero. She said, “I made the painful decision to end that pregnancy — to spare my child from suffering and to protect my family from further emotional harm. I was later able to give birth to another healthy child.” Lacey testified while holding her newborn baby, a living reminder that because she was able to receive timely, compassionate medical care, she survived and was able to have a healthy pregnancy later.
Her testimony moved me deeply because it underscores how even those who value life profoundly may face agonizing choices that no law can adequately govern. As Lacey said, “I don’t believe in a hierarchy of reasons for abortions. Every circumstance is unique, personal, and nobody’s business. No one should have this personal medical decision made for them by politicians.
Max Diaz (D)
First, we face the challenge of building an economy that works for everyone. Wages have not kept pace with the cost of living, housing is out of reach for too many families in the Lowcountry, and wealth inequality continues to widen. At the same time, we must prepare workers for the jobs of tomorrow by investing in education, training, and infrastructure. If we fail to do this, we risk leaving a generation behind. Second, health care will continue to be one of our most pressing challenges. Too many Americans still go without affordable coverage, rural hospitals are closing, and prescription drug prices keep rising. We must decide whether health care will remain a privilege for the few or finally become a right for all. Third, we face the growing impact of the climate crisis. Communities across the country — including right here in the Lowcountry — are already dealing with flooding, rising seas, and extreme weather. The choices we make in the next decade will determine whether we protect our homes and environment or pass the cost of inaction on to future generations. Fourth, we must confront the challenges of division and democracy itself. Political polarization, attacks on voting rights, and efforts to sow fear and misinformation threaten the very foundations of our nation. Finally, America must continue to be a beacon of opportunity and inclusion. That means fixing our immigration system so it is fair and functional, embracing diversity as a strength, and ensuring that every person — regardless of race, gender, income, or background — can live with— can live with dignity and hope.
Our challenges are serious, but they are also solvable. With integrity, empathy, and courage, I believe we can build a future where families are secure, communities are resilient, and the American Dream is once again within reach for everyone.If elected, I will use that constitutional power to make sure that federal spending aligns with the needs of working families, not the wishes of corporate lobbyists. That means closing tax loopholes that allow billionaires and large corporations to avoid paying their fair share while small business owners and teachers shoulder the burden. It means ensuring that every federal dollar invested in South Carolina is spent wisely — strengthening our infrastructure, improving public schools, lowering healthcare costs, and protecting our beautiful coastline from climate threats.
For me, this isn’t an abstract debate about numbers on a page. It’s about how families in Beaufort, Collington, Charleston, Berkeley, Dorchester, and Jasper Counties experience daily life — whether they can afford housing, whether hospitals stay open, whether kids have safe schools, and whether small businesses can thrive. The House’s authority to originate revenue bills is the cornerstone of how we build a government that serves people instead of power.
If given the honor to represent the Lowcountry, I’ll fight to make every budget a moral document — one that invests in people, protects our future, and restores trust that government can once again work for all of us.
Max Diaz (D)
If elected, I would support the responsible use of that power to expose waste, fraud, abuse, and corruption wherever it exists — whether in government agencies, private contractors, or powerful corporations that misuse public funds. Oversight should never be partisan theater. It should be about facts, fairness, and protecting the public interest. Unfortunately, we’ve seen too many investigations in recent years used as political weapons rather than as instruments of truth. That undermines public trust and distracts from real issues like lowering costs, protecting healthcare, and improving lives.
I believe the House’s investigative authority should focus on problems that affect ordinary Americans — like why prescription drugs remain unaffordable despite massive corporate profits, why FEMA recovery funds are slow to reach communities hit by hurricanes, and why maternal mortality remains so high in states like South Carolina. These are the investigations that matter — the ones that save lives, strengthen democracy, and ensure taxpayer dollars are used wisely.
As a member of Congress, I would work to restore integrity to the oversight process by supporting investigations grounded in truth and evidence, led by a commitment to transparency, not ideology. Accountability is not a partisan value — it’s an American one. The House’s power to investigate is not about vengeance or headlines; it’s about defending democracy, rebuilding trust, and making sure government truly works for the people of this country and the families of the Lowcountry.
Max Diaz (D)
He recounted to me how, over time the commercial development along Shem slowly funneled the creek into a smaller mouth than it used to have. The smaller mouth stifles the flow of the creek and reduces its ability to carry sediment from the creek bottom out to the harbor. Without the ability to naturally dredge itself, Shem Creek has slowly become shallower and the plants and animals that require deeper, cooler waters to thrive in the creek cannot flourish the way they used to.
This story always makes me think about how delicately balanced ecosystems can be and how they can be damaged without any intention of harm.Through outreach, education, and collaboration, I helped organize voter registration drives, leadership trainings, and community forums that brought together people who had never before been invited into the political process. We saw a significant increase in Hispanic voter registration and participation, but more importantly, we built lasting relationships of trust and understanding among communities that had too often been overlooked or divided.
I also helped sponsor a series of statewide forums and discussions that addressed the issues most important to South Carolina families — from healthcare and education to immigration, jobs, veterans' issues, and environmental protection. These events weren’t just about politics; they were about empowerment. They gave everyday citizens a chance to be heard and to see that their voices mattered.
What I’m most proud of is not just the numbers we achieved, but the spirit of unity we built — Democrats, independents, young voters, faith leaders, and activists working together toward shared goals. I saw firsthand how powerful it is when diverse communities come together around common values like dignity, fairness, and opportunity.
That work reaffirmed why I’m running for Congress. Representation is about more than holding office — it’s about creating space for others to rise. My proudest accomplishment will always be helping to build a stronger, more inclusive democracy here in South Carolina — one conversation, one coalition, and one voter at a time.
Max Diaz (D)
First, the government must set basic guardrails for AI. Without oversight, AI could be misused to spread disinformation or replace workers without protections. In Charleston, where small businesses drive the economy, and in Berkeley and Dorchester, where new industries are growing, we need AI rules that protect consumers, safeguard privacy, and ensure fair competition.
Second, the government should invest in research and workforce training so the Lowcountry is ready for the jobs AI will create. That means supporting our technical colleges, expanding STEM education in Dorchester schools, and giving workers in Beaufort and Berkeley counties access to retraining programs. These investments will help prepare our children and workers for high-paying careers in technology, engineering, and advanced manufacturing.
Third, AI can help us tackle challenges unique to the Lowcountry. For example, it can be used in flood prediction and coastal resilience planning in Charleston and Beaufort, helping us protect homes and businesses from rising seas. It can also help improve healthcare delivery in rural parts of the district by expanding telemedicine and diagnostics. The government’s role is to make sure these innovations reach everyone — not just large corporations.
Fourth, we must ensure AI is not used to undermine democracy or civil rights. In South Carolina, where we’ve already seen efforts to restrict voting, AI-driven misinformation and “deepfakes” could threaten trust in our elections. The federal government must act to prevent those abuses while protecting equal opportunity in hiring, housing, and lending.
Finally, America must lead in shaping international agreements on AI, just as we’ve done with nuclear power and trade. If we don’t lead, others will — and our economy, including industries here in the Lowcountry, could be left vulnerable.
AI is here, and it can be a force for progress or inequality. The role of government is to make sure innovation serves people — from the shrimper in Beaufort to a teacher in Dorchester, a small business owner in Charleston, or a manufacturing worker in Berkeley. I will work to ensure the Lowcountry has a seat at the table as we shape the future of this powerful technology.
Max Diaz (D)
All voter redistricting nationwide should be required to be done by independent, non-partisan commissions.
All elections should be held with either paper ballots or machines that leave a paper trail so that results can be securely counted and/or audited without fear of hacking or outside interference.First, I would champion a modernized Voting Rights Act that restores federal oversight to prevent voter suppression and guarantees early voting, vote-by-mail, and same-day registration nationwide. Our elections must be run by nonpartisan professionals and built on transparency and trust — not partisan manipulation.
Second, I would support a Democracy and Climate Resilience Act, recognizing that climate change threatens both our environment and our economy, particularly here in the Lowcountry. Rising seas, flooding, and extreme weather already affect our communities, homes, and economy in the Lowcountry and part of that solution includes directing federal funding toward climate adaptation that protects our coastal infrastructure, small businesses, and natural resources.
I would champion legislation that delivers for working families — expanding the Child Tax Credit, guaranteeing paid family and medical leave, improving access to affordable childcare, and ensuring fair wages. These are investments in the dignity and stability of every household, and they make our economy stronger from the middle out, not the top down.
Finally, I believe we must pass comprehensive immigration reform that includes a clear, earned path to citizenship for immigrants who work hard, pay taxes, and contribute to our communities. Millions of families live in uncertainty despite strengthening our workforce and enriching our culture. A fair immigration system honors their contributions and upholds our values as a nation of opportunity.
Together, these efforts — fair elections, climate resilience initiatives, support for working families, and a just immigration system — are how we build a democracy that truly serves the people.
You can ask candidates in this race to fill out the survey by clicking their names below:
Campaign finance
| Name | Party | Receipts* | Disbursements** | Cash on hand | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Robert Beers | Democratic Party | $0 | $0 | $0 | Data not available*** |
| Mac Deford | Democratic Party | $104,459 | $53,457 | $51,002 | As of September 30, 2025 |
| Max Diaz | Democratic Party | $412 | $326 | $86 | As of September 30, 2025 |
| Matthew Fulmer | Democratic Party | $0 | $0 | $0 | Data not available*** |
| Mayra Rivera-Vazquez | Democratic Party | $38,642 | $15,229 | $25,108 | As of September 30, 2025 |
| Dan Brown (South Carolina) | Republican Party | $0 | $0 | $0 | Data not available*** |
| Jack Ellison | Republican Party | $0 | $0 | $0 | Data not available*** |
| Sam McCown | Republican Party | $1,013,705 | $742 | $1,012,963 | As of September 30, 2025 |
| Alex Pelbath | Republican Party | $193,110 | $23,883 | $169,227 | As of September 30, 2025 |
| Robert Roberts | Republican Party | $0 | $0 | $0 | Data not available*** |
| Mark Smith | Republican Party | $369,250 | $3,172 | $366,078 | As of September 30, 2025 |
|
Source: Federal Elections Commission, "Campaign finance data," 2026. This product uses the openFEC API but is not endorsed or certified by the Federal Election Commission (FEC).
* According to the FEC, "Receipts are anything of value (money, goods, services or property) received by a political committee." |
|||||
General election race ratings
- See also: Race rating definitions and methods
Ballotpedia provides race ratings from four outlets: The Cook Political Report, Inside Elections, Sabato's Crystal Ball, and DDHQ/The Hill. Each race rating indicates if one party is perceived to have an advantage in the race and, if so, the degree of advantage:
- Safe and Solid ratings indicate that one party has a clear edge and the race is not competitive.
- Likely ratings indicate that one party has a clear edge, but an upset is possible.
- Lean ratings indicate that one party has a small edge, but the race is competitive.[1]
- Toss-up ratings indicate that neither party has an advantage.
Race ratings are informed by a number of factors, including polling, candidate quality, and election result history in the race's district or state.[2][3][4]
| Race ratings: South Carolina's 1st Congressional District election, 2026 | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Race tracker | Race ratings | ||||||||
| 10/28/2025 | 10/21/2025 | 10/14/2025 | 10/7/2025 | ||||||
| The Cook Political Report with Amy Walter | Solid Republican | Solid Republican | Solid Republican | Solid Republican | |||||
| Decision Desk HQ and The Hill | Pending | Pending | Pending | Pending | |||||
| Inside Elections with Nathan L. Gonzales | Solid Republican | Solid Republican | Solid Republican | Solid Republican | |||||
| Larry J. Sabato's Crystal Ball | Safe Republican | Safe Republican | Safe Republican | Safe Republican | |||||
| Note: Ballotpedia reviews external race ratings every week throughout the election season and posts weekly updates even if the media outlets have not revised their ratings during that week. | |||||||||
Ballot access
This section will contain information on ballot access related to this state's elections when it is available.
District history
The section below details election results for this office in elections dating back to 2020.
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)
2022
General election
General election for U.S. House South Carolina District 1
Incumbent Nancy Mace defeated Annie Andrews and Joseph Oddo in the general election for U.S. House South Carolina District 1 on November 8, 2022.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Nancy Mace (R) | 56.4 | 153,757 |
 | Annie Andrews (D) | 42.5 | 115,796 | |
 | Joseph Oddo (Alliance Party) | 1.0 | 2,634 | |
| Other/Write-in votes | 0.2 | 494 | ||
| Total votes: 272,681 | |||
| = 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
- Alejandro Otman (Independent)
Democratic primary election
The Democratic primary election was canceled. Annie Andrews advanced from the Democratic primary for U.S. House South Carolina District 1.
Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
Republican primary election
Republican primary for U.S. House South Carolina District 1
Incumbent Nancy Mace defeated Katie Arrington and Lynz Piper-Loomis (Unofficially withdrew) in the Republican primary for U.S. House South Carolina District 1 on June 14, 2022.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Nancy Mace | 53.1 | 39,470 |
 | Katie Arrington | 45.2 | 33,589 | |
 | Lynz Piper-Loomis (Unofficially withdrew) | 1.6 | 1,221 | |
| Total votes: 74,280 | |||
| = 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
- Ingrid Centurion (R)
- Keith Blandford (R)
- Thomas Allen (R)
Alliance Party convention
Alliance Party convention for U.S. House South Carolina District 1
Joseph Oddo advanced from the Alliance Party convention for U.S. House South Carolina District 1 on April 23, 2022.
Candidate | ||
| ✔ | | Joseph Oddo (Alliance Party) |
| ||||
| = 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. | ||||
Labor Party convention
Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
- Lucus Devan Faulk (Labor Party)
2020
General election
General election for U.S. House South Carolina District 1
Nancy Mace defeated incumbent Joe Cunningham in the general election for U.S. House South Carolina District 1 on November 3, 2020.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Nancy Mace (R) | 50.6 | 216,042 |
 | Joe Cunningham (D) | 49.3 | 210,627 | |
| Other/Write-in votes | 0.1 | 442 | ||
| Total votes: 427,111 | |||
| = 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
The Democratic primary election was canceled. Incumbent Joe Cunningham advanced from the Democratic primary for U.S. House South Carolina District 1.
Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
- Benjamin Frasier (D)
Republican primary election
Republican primary for U.S. House South Carolina District 1
Nancy Mace defeated Kathy Landing, Chris Cox, and Brad Mole in the Republican primary for U.S. House South Carolina District 1 on June 9, 2020.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Nancy Mace | 57.5 | 48,411 |
 | Kathy Landing | 25.9 | 21,835 | |
| Chris Cox | 9.7 | 8,179 | ||
 | Brad Mole | 6.9 | 5,800 | |
| Total votes: 84,225 | |||
| = 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
- Jamison Johnson (R)
- Logan Cunningham (R)
- Phillip Norris (R)
- Mike Covert (R)
District analysis
This section will contain facts and figures related to this district's elections when those are available.
See also
| South Carolina | 2026 primaries | 2026 U.S. Congress elections |
|---|---|---|
 |
 |
 |
|
Voting in South Carolina South Carolina elections: 2026 • 2025 • 2024 • 2023 • 2022 • 2021 • 2020 • 2019 • 2018 |
Republican primary battlegrounds U.S. Senate Democratic primaries U.S. Senate Republican primaries U.S. House Democratic primaries U.S. House Republican primaries |
U.S. Senate elections U.S. House elections Special elections Ballot access |
External links
Footnotes
- ↑ Inside Elections also uses Tilt ratings to indicate an even smaller advantage and greater competitiveness.
- ↑ Amee LaTour, "Email correspondence with Nathan Gonzalez," April 19, 2018
- ↑ Amee LaTour, "Email correspondence with Kyle Kondik," April 19, 2018
- ↑ Amee LaTour, "Email correspondence with Charlie Cook," April 22, 2018
