Democrat Mac Deford, a U.S. Coast Guard veteran, former law enforcement officer, and attorney, announced today that he is running for the U.S. House of Representatives to represent South Carolina’s 1st Congressional District.
“I served our nation in uniform. I served the Lowcountry in local government, and I’m raising a family here," he said. "I’m running for Congress to do what I’ve always done; solve problems, stand up for people, and put service above self."
Deford enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard after high school and served as a federal law enforcement officer and search & rescue crewman, including service at Coast Guard Station Charleston. After his military service, he attended The Citadel on the GI Bill. He later earned a law degree from the Charleston School of Law and an MBA from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
His career in law has spanned both the private and public sectors. After law school, Deford worked as in-house counsel for a publicly traded technology company, managing commercial disputes and negotiations domestically and abroad. He later served as a trusted legal advisor to the Towns of Mount Pleasant and Hilton Head Island. On Hilton Head Island, he helped lead the Town’s first workforce housing initiative and secured millions in FEMA beach renourishment funding. In Mount Pleasant, he provided legal guidance to town officials and helped advance key infrastructure priorities.
“My background isn’t partisan, it’s practical," Deford said. "I’ve worked with folks across political divides to get things done. That’s what people deserve: someone who will show up, do the work, and serve them with integrity and competence."
Deford said his campaign centers on upgrading local infrastructure, protecting Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid, affordability in housing, veterans' issues, environmental stewardship, and smart economic policy, among others.
"My wife and I are raising our son, and I want him to grow up in a country that is decent, strong, and led by people who put the country first – not their careers or their egos," Deford said. "I want that for everyone in the Lowcountry and around the nation. That’s why I’m stepping up now.”
The seat is currently held by Rep. Nancy Mace, who this week announced she is running for Governor of South Carolina.
“Nancy Mace is more interested in going viral on social media and promoting herself than getting results," Deford said. "The Lowcountry deserves better – and I am ready to serve. Regardless of who emerges on the Republican side, we intend to win SC-01 for the people.”
To learn more about Mac Deford’s campaign, visit www.DefordForCongress.com.