Mac Deford, Democratic candidate for South Carolina's 1st Congressional District, released the following statement regarding a new survey from Public Policy Polling*, which shows the race for SC-01 is statistically tied between Republican Mark Smith and Deford:
"For too long, Republican leaders have taken the voters of the Lowcountry for granted, assuming this seat was theirs to keep regardless of how difficult life became for individuals and working families. They ignored the rising costs that are keeping our neighbors up at night to pursue their own political games. Today, the numbers prove what we have felt on the ground every single day: they are wrong. This race is in a dead heat, and we are going to work hard to win it."
Highlighting the polling data, Deford explained the importance of his background and Independent voters in the race:
“When voters hear the truth, comparing my record of service in the U.S. Coast Guard and law enforcement, and a community-based government attorney, against Mark Smith’s extreme and unpopular MAGA agenda, this race becomes a 40-40 tie. SC-01 is not a Republican stronghold: it’s a battleground district, and we are best positioned to flip it. We are winning Independent voters 54-22 percent once they hear our message, and those voters are crucial to winning our district.”
Deford urged Republican leaders to understand that SC-01 will be a tougher fight than they expected:
“We are wiping out the Republican advantage because the people of our district want a representative who fights for them, and doesn't treat their pocketbooks like a bargaining chip. To Republicans hoping for a coronation: get ready for a fight. I’m running for Congress to protect South Carolinians and lower their daily costs, not be a rubber stamp for an administration with disastrous policies that are harming the Lowcountry.”
-* The survey was conducted by Public Policy Polling on December 5–6, 2025, among 645 likely voters in South Carolina’s 1st Congressional District. Interviews were conducted by landline telephone and text message. The margin of error is ±3.9 percentage points.