News

Nancy Lacore Holds Narrow Lead in South Carolina's 1st District Race

November 8, 2026

Nancy Lacore, a Democrat and retired three-star Navy admiral whom Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth removed in August, was projected Wednesday to win South Carolina's 1st Congressional District, Military.com reports. Republican Rep. Nancy Mace held the seat before her unsuccessful run for governor.

Key points

  • The count: With 99% of votes tallied, Lacore led Republican Jenny Costa Honeycutt by about 3,350 votes, or roughly 1%. The Associated Press had not called the race as of 8:50 a.m. ET, while Decision Desk HQ projected Lacore as the winner.
  • Recount rule: According to the State Election Commission, South Carolina orders a recount when the gap between a winner and a losing candidate is 1% or less of all votes cast for the office.
  • Campaign's view: Lacore's campaign said new Dorchester County totals pushed her lead past the automatic recount margin, and noted that Donald Trump carried the district by 13 points two years ago.
  • Background: Lacore served 35 years, completed two deployments and oversaw more than 60,000 sailors as chief of the Navy Reserve. She campaigned on health care and housing costs.

Quick take

Lacore spoke to supporters on election night before any call, saying the Lowcountry "doesn't need more political theater" and pledging to work with anyone serious about those issues. Military.com notes that results are official only after certification, which the commission completes by the Friday after the election. The outlet also reports that Democrats won control of both the House and the Senate.

Read the full story at Military.com.