Public Policy Polling
40%30%20%10%0%
36%
Democrat
Mac Deford
SC-01 Democratic nominee?
$55.4K
JUN 24, 2026Primary Election
Party selects its nominee.
Overview
Current roleAttorney
PartyDemocratic
Political ideologyMainstream Democrat
GenderMale
LocationSouth Carolina
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BackgroundAttorney
EducationThe Citadel — B.A. in Criminal Justice
Notable personal detailsWilliam McAdoo “Mac” Deford Jr. is a Democratic candidate for the U.S. House in South Carolina’s 1st Congressional District. He is a U.S. Coast Guard veteran and an attorney who has worked in municipal government, including as general counsel for the Town of Hilton Head Island and previously as associate general counsel for the Town of Mount Pleasant. He has also worked as counsel in the private sector.
SourcesShowHide
fec.govhiltonheadislandsc.govdefordforcongress.comwtoc.comen.wikipedia.orgwjcl.comlive5news.compolymarket.comreadthedonation.comthecandidate.comelectionhistory.scvotes.govislandpacket.comnmma.orgscstatehouse.govbishopgadsden.orgthecitycharleston.comnewsfromthestates.comholycitysinner.comcharlestoncitypaper.commacdeford.orgthepalmettoeye.comyahoo.comsclawyers4law.comcharlestondemocrats.cominstagram.comabcnews4.compostandcourier.comballotpedia.orgthestate.comscdailygazette.comeciks.orgcounton2.comlocalcandidates.orgpredictionedge.comfacebook.comdocquery.fec.govballotready.orghistory.house.govarmedservices.house.gov
Positions
LiberalConservative
Healthcare
The candidate’s campaign materials describe rising health care costs, high premiums and prescription drug prices, and criticize corporate middlemen and attacks on reproductive freedom, but do not lay out specific policy proposals such as support for Medicare for All, a public option, or detailed reforms.
Immigration & Border
Supports secure borders while opposing a border wall; favors a fair, efficient, and transparent immigration system that includes a path to citizenship for people brought to the U.S. as children and targeted removal of violent criminals. Wants immigration processes that facilitate legal entry and economic contribution and criticizes aggressive enforcement that bypasses legal norms.
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Abortion & Reproductive Rights
Supports federal protections for abortion access and seeks to codify Roe v. Wade; opposes extreme abortion bans and will advocate for national protections to ensure access to safe, legal reproductive health care.
Climate & Energy
Supports proactive climate policy focused on protecting the Lowcountry from climate impacts, investing in coastal protection and climate-resilient infrastructure, and promoting renewable energy and measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Public Safety & Guns
Supports expanded gun-safety measures including universal background checks, safe-storage requirements, and red flag standards while affirming responsible gun ownership and support for law enforcement. Seeks federal action to close the Charleston loophole and pursue coordinated public-safety and mental-health strategies to reduce gun violence.
News
AINews Summary
Last updatedJul 15, 2026
Mac Deford lost the Democratic runoff for South Carolina's 1st Congressional District to Nancy Lacore, ending his bid for the party nomination. The race was part of a crowded contest for the open House seat, and Lacore will now face Republican Nancy Mace in the general election. Earlier coverage focused on the runoff as a close contest and on the district's broader fight over turnout, redistricting, and the crowded primary field.
fec.gov+38
Articles
UNU.S. News & World Report1 month ago
AP Decision Notes: What to Expect in South Carolina’s State Primary Runoff
Neutral
TNThe New York Times1 month ago
Fired Navy Admiral Wins Democratic Runoff in South Carolina’s 1st District
Negative
L5Live 5 News WCSC2 months ago
🔴LIVE 5: South Carolina primary election results
Neutral
CPCharleston Post and Courier2 months ago
Meet the 17 candidates running to replace SC’s Nancy Mace
Neutral
Polls
Aggregation source: FiftyPlusOne
Endorsements
SC-01 Democratic nominee?
Endorsers of Mac Deford for SC-01 Democratic nominee?
Chris Richardson
Public figure
Former U.S. diplomat and immigration attorney Chris Richardson endorsed Mac Deford.
Fundraising
Latest report: Cycle 2026Total raisedCash on hand
$645.7K
$484.3K
$322.9K
$161.4K
$0
2026
LatestYear
Total raised
Cash on hand
Total spent
Burn rate
Cycle 2026
$645.7K
$23.0K
$622.8K
$34.6K
Source: FEC