The Mac Deford for Congress campaign on Wednesday announced a list of several endorsements.
"This campaign is powered by people who live and work right here, not by outside interest groups or political consultants," said Mac Deford. "Every day on the trail, I'm listening to folks across the Lowcountry about what's working, what's not, and what they need from their next representative. I know this district because it's home, and I understand what it takes to deliver real results for the people who call it home, too."
Among those endorsing Deford are:
- Former Maryland Governor and Social Security Commissioner Martin O'Malley
- Ty Cobb, former White House Special Counsel, of Charleston County
- State Senator Ed Sutton of Charleston
- Sam Skardon, former Chairman of the Charleston County Democratic Party
- Mount Pleasant Council Member Daniel Brownstein
- North Charleston Council Member and former Chairman of the Charleston County Democratic Party Greg Perry
- Gail Strickler, former Asst. U.S. Trade Representative under President Obama of Charleston County
- Former U.S. diplomat and attorney Chris Richardson of James Island
- Colonel Blaine Lotz, USAF (ret.) and former Chairman of Beaufort County Democratic Party
- Commander Jake Cass, USCG (ret.) of Berkeley County
- Colonel Lance Spencer, USAF (ret.) of Charleston County
Supporters emphasized Deford's service, judgment, and understanding of both national and local issues:
- "Over the last few years, I've enjoyed working with Mac to elevate veteran and quality of life issues impacting the Lowcountry," said State Senator Ed Sutton, a U.S. Air Force veteran. "I appreciate his dedication to service to our nation and state. He will be a needed, credible voice in Congress."
- "The reason we need Mac in Congress is because South Carolina is one of the most important states for global trade, both imports and exports, and especially for the auto and battery industries," said Gail Strickler, former Asst. U.S. Trade Representative under President Obama. "And if our economy does not look forward toward global trade, it will hurt jobs, careers, and our lives in South Carolina. I trust Mac to fight against this administration's reckless tariff and economic policies."
- "Throughout my career as a U.S. diplomat, I learned the value of principled leadership and steady judgment. Mac brings both," said Chris Richardson. "He understands that America's strength comes from integrity at home and credibility abroad, and he has the temperament and vision to serve with honor in Congress."
- "The first question I asked Mac was his thoughts on recent military actions in the Caribbean," said Colonel Lance Spencer, U.S. Air Force (ret.). "Not only did he thoroughly and clearly explain the situation and national security implications, but he tied it directly back to our community, explaining the military, Coast Guard, and law enforcement units involved that are based in the Lowcountry. Mac shows he has a strong grasp of national security issues, not only on the world stage but also their impact on our district, and that he can represent our interests in Congress."
- "I enthusiastically endorse Mac Deford for Congress in SC-01," said Colonel Blaine Lotz, U.S. Air Force (ret.) and former Beaufort County Democratic Party Chair. "Mac has long worked throughout our community from Mount Pleasant to Hilton Head Island, shares Lynne's and my core Democratic Party values, and will deliver what our Lowcountry needs to reinvigorate our economy, lower consumer costs, and address healthcare and similar affordability issues. He will restore integrity and accountability to a broken Congress."
Deford, a U.S. Coast Guard veteran and former federal law enforcement officer, has spent nearly his entire adult life in the Lowcountry after being stationed at Coast Guard Station Charleston. After his military service, he worked in local government as an attorney, where he helped advance projects focused on workforce housing, transportation, flood infrastructure, public safety, and environmental resilience.
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Mac Deford’s campaign criticized Mount Pleasant Mayor Will Haynie’s recent endorsement of fellow Democratic candidate Nancy Lacore.
"Voters deserve to know who is really behind Nancy Lacore's campaign," said John Cassibry, Campaign Manager for Mac Deford for Congress. "This is the same Mayor Haynie who endorsed Republican Nancy Mace over Democratic incumbent Joe Cunningham — helping Republicans unseat him. Now he's endorsing Nancy Lacore, a lifelong Republican who recently changed parties and moved to the Lowcountry to run for this seat, and a candidate he met only a few months ago. Make of that what you will."
Learn more at: DefordForCongress.com