The Mac Deford for Congress campaign today released a new campaign video showcasing Deford’s grassroots campaign and the broad community support fueling his campaign across South Carolina’s 1st Congressional District.
Filmed throughout the district, the video captures the growing grassroots momentum behind Deford, as well as the kitchen-table conversations, neighborhood meetings, and community connections that are driving support across the district.
The campaign’s new video reinforces Deford’s message that representation starts with showing up, listening to neighbors, earning trust, and understanding the unique needs of every corner of the district. It also features Deford’s background as a former U.S. Coast Guard law enforcement officer who served in Charleston, as well as his work in local government addressing critical community issues, including affordable housing, infrastructure, public safety, and environmental protection. Since August 2025, Deford has held over 10 public town halls and will hold the first public town hall of 2026 on February 12th at the Mount Pleasant Town Hall, starting at 6:30 PM.
“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.”
Alongside the release of the video, the campaign announced a growing list of endorsements from respected national leaders, local elected officials, veterans, and community leaders who have worked with Deford and know his record firsthand.
Among those endorsing Deford are:
- Former Maryland Governor and Social Security Commissioner Martin O’Malley;
- Congressman Tim Kennedy;
- State Senator Ed Sutton of Charleston;
- Mount Pleasant Council Member Daniel Brownstein;
- North Charleston Council Member Greg Perry, former Chairman of the Charleston County Democratic Party;
- 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; and
- Pastor Thomas Dixon of Charleston County.
Supporters emphasized Deford’s service, judgment, and deep 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.
Learn more at: www.DefordForCongress.com.