Mac Deford, a veteran and attorney running as a Democrat for South Carolina’s 1st Congressional District (SC-01), has announced that he will host a town hall in Mount Pleasant next week. His campaign is touting him as the first candidate for SC-01 to announce such an event ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
Criticism of Incumbent and Deford’s Approach
Incumbent Congresswoman Nancy Mace, who is currently campaigning for South Carolina governor, has faced criticism from Democrats for not hosting more town halls in her district, especially after President Donald Trump’s 2025 inauguration. This has sparked national calls for Republican officials to engage more with their constituents. In contrast, Mace is now embarking on a series of statewide town halls as part of her “Mother of All Town Halls” tour, with previous stops in Myrtle Beach and Rock Hill.
Deford’s Commitment to Engagement
“In a time when too many politicians are avoiding public town halls, I believe showing up and listening face-to-face is non-negotiable,” Deford said. “The people of the Lowcountry deserve access to their leaders, and they should expect it from anyone seeking to represent them.”
Event Details
The town hall will take place at Mount Pleasant Town Hall on Tuesday, August 26, with doors opening at 6 p.m. Deford emphasized that he looks forward to hearing directly from the community and building solutions together that reflect shared values and hopes for the future, regardless of political affiliation.
Other Candidates in the Race
Deford is facing competition in the race for SC-01. Republican State Rep. Mark Smith entered the race last week, joining Charleston resident Jack Ellison. On the Democratic side, Robert Beers, Max Diaz, and Mayra Rivera-Vazquez have also declared their candidacy.
