Mac Deford Launches 2026 Congressional Campaign for South Carolina’s 1st Congressional District

SC. (WTOC) - United States Coast Guard Veteran, former law enforcement officer and attorney Mac Deford launched his 2026 Congressional Campaign for South Carolina’s 1st Congressional District.

“I served our nation in uniform. I served the Lowcountry in local government, and I’m raising a family here. I’m running for Congress to do what I’ve always done; solve problems, stand up for people, and put service above self,” Deford said.

After high school, Deford enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard and served as a federal law enforcement officer and search and rescue crewman.

After his military service, he attended The Citadel on the GI Bill where he later earned a law degree from the Charleston School of Law and an MBA from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

In a press release, Deford detailed his career in law where he worked as in-house counsel for a publicly traded technology company, served as a trusted legal advisor to the Towns of Mount Pleasant and Hilton Head Island. He said on Hilton Head he helped lead the Town’s first workforce housing initiative and secured millions in FEMA beach renourishment funding.

“My background isn’t partisan, it’s practical. I’ve worked with folks across political divides to get things done. That’s what people deserve: someone who will show up, do the work, and serve them with integrity and competence,” said Deford.

In a press release, Deford said his campaign centers on upgrading local infrastructure, protecting Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid, affordability in housing, veterans’ issues, environmental stewardship, and smart economic policy, among others.

“My wife and I are raising our son, and I want him to grow up in a country that is decent, strong, and led by people who put the country first – not their careers or their egos. I want that for everyone in the Lowcountry and around the nation. That’s why I’m stepping up now," said Deford.

This seat is currently by Representative Nancy Mace. Earlier this week, Mace announced her campaign for South Carolina Governor.

SEE: Lowcountry Rep. Nancy Mace kicks off run for South Carolina Governor

To learn more about Mac Deford’s campaign, click here.