Deford
The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) on Tuesday announced that South Carolina’s 1st Congressional District has been added to its list of competitive targets for the 2026 midterm elections.
Democrat candidate Mac Deford's campaign said that the DCCC’s decision "reflects broader political realities already evident on the ground in SC-01: a deeply competitive district and growing dissatisfaction with Washington politics as usual."
“South Carolinians are clearly looking for change,” said Deford. “Voters here are independent-minded, pragmatic, and focused on results. Any serious path to victory in this district requires earning the trust of people across party lines.”
The campaign pointed to a December 2025 poll showing Deford in a dead-heat tie with Republican frontrunner Mark Smith, while also demonstrating Deford’s strength among independent voters. In that poll, independents supported Deford by a 54% to 22% margin.
“This district isn’t won with slogans or national talking points,” Deford said. “It’s won by understanding the people who live here, listening to them, and earning their confidence. That’s what our campaign is focused on every single day.”