Former Vice Admiral of the US Navy (Navy) Nancy Lacore, previously dismissed by the head of the US Pentagon Pete Hegseth, has entered the second round of the Democratic Party primaries – she is vying for a seat in the House of Representatives from the 1st congressional district of South Carolina, reports The New York Times (NYT).
According to the results of the first round of primaries, Lakor took first place among seven candidates, receiving 36.5% of the vote. Her closest rival, U.S. Coast Guard veteran Mac Deford, formerly head of the Hilton Head Island City Law Department, scored 28.9%. He will be Lakor’s opponent in the second round, which will take place on June 23.
The winner of the November midterm elections will succeed Republican Nancy Mace, who gave up re-election to the House of Representatives to enter the gubernatorial race.
Over more than 30 years of service in the US Navy, Lacore went from military pilot to vice admiral and served as head of the Reserve Fleet for more than a year, writes The Hill. Last August, Hegseth fired her along with dozens of other senior military leaders. According to Lakor, the reasons for the dismissal were never explained to her.
Lakor launched her election campaign four months ago. In the first two weeks of her nomination, she attracted $500,000 in donations, and by the end of May she had raised more than $1.4 million.
Speaking to supporters in Mount Pleasant after the election results were announced, Lacore thanked the Lowcountry region's volunteers, activists and voters.
“I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved in just over four months of campaigning. In this short time, many volunteers and supporters from among ordinary citizens have united around us. This gives me a sincere feeling of gratitude. And most importantly, we received more votes than any other candidate. And this happened thanks to you,” she said.
LaCore's campaign platform focuses on economic stability, support for military personnel and veterans, and protection of the natural environment of South Carolina's coastal areas.
“We need to restore financial freedom to Americans so that hard work provides stability and the ability to create wealth. We must ensure that those who serve our country and our communities have the right to live with dignity. And we have a responsibility to protect the coastal ecosystem of the Lowcountry,” Lacore said.
Lacore has secured support from a number of veterans organizations, including VoteVets and Veterans for Responsible Leadership. She was also endorsed by EMILY's List, an organization that helps elect Democratic women who support abortion rights.
At the same time, as The Hill notes, the district will most likely retain Republican representation. The Cook Political Report ranks it among the districts with a strong GOP advantage. In 2021, district lines were redrawn to give Republicans a stronger electoral position. Thus, Nancy Mace won a landslide victory in the last two elections.
