A former three-star navy rear-admiral, Nancy Lacore, has successfully secured the Democratic party's nomination for a closely watched congressional race in South Carolina. Her victory in Tuesday's primary run-off means she will now lead the Democratic effort to challenge for a Republican-held seat in the US House of Representatives during the November midterm elections.
Lacore’s win is notable given her recent history, having been among dozens of senior US military officials dismissed by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth last year. These dismissals were part of what has been widely described as a 'purge' of officers deemed to have opposed the Trump administration's agenda or who did not align with Hegseth's vision for the armed services.
Having defeated Mac Deford, a US Coast Guard veteran, in the run-off, Lacore's attention now shifts to the broader election campaign. She will be campaigning in South Carolina's first congressional district, a seat currently held by Republicans. The incumbent, Nancy Mace, opted not to seek re-election, instead focusing on an unsuccessful challenge for the South Carolina governorship. Jenny Costa Honeycutt, a member of Charleston county council, secured the Republican nomination for the district on Tuesday.
Lacore's campaign has already demonstrated significant financial backing, raising an impressive $500,000 in her initial two weeks as a candidate, with total contributions exceeding $1.4 million by late May. This financial strength is further bolstered by support from several veterans' groups and Emily's List, an organisation that champions pro-choice Democratic women candidates. She is also one of twelve House candidates receiving guidance from 'The Bench', a Democratic strategy group focusing on challenging races.
The upcoming midterm elections are anticipated to be a crucial test for both major parties in the US. Lacore's candidacy, emerging from a controversial dismissal and backed by substantial support, positions this South Carolina race as one of the key battlegrounds where Democrats hope to make inroads against Republican dominance in the House.