Moore, Deford vie for Democratic congressional nod

Expect to hear a lot in coming months from two Mount Pleasant Democrats — Michael B. Moore and Mac Deford — about why they believe they can retake the First Congressional District seat currently held by Republican U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace.

Six years ago, local lawyer Joe Cunningham flipped the district when there was an open seat, but Mace reflipped it back in 2020 by a narrow margin. At the time, the district was considered the most competitive in the country. But by 2022, a GOP-led gerrymander of the district gave Mace a more secure cushion. Last year, a federal panel ruled the redrawn lines were an unconstitutional gerrymander. Now, voters are waiting to hear how the U.S. Supreme Court rules.

Both Deford and Moore, who is formally launching his campaign today in Beaufort and Charleston, say a Democrat can win back the seat.

Deford, an attorney, says it’s important to take a two-pronged approach to winning — connecting with Democratic voters, particularly in underserved communities, and getting bipartisan support.

“Generally speaking, we don’t align with extremist views from either side. Despite Nancy Mace’s claim that this is ‘Trump Country,’ which is hilarious because she defeated his Trump-endorsed primary challenger in 2022, the Lowcountry’s political landscape is moderate,” he said. “Voters are focused on pragmatic solutions over rigid partisan allegiance. I’ve garnered support from Democrats, independents and Republicans, including those who previously supported Nancy Mace.”

Moore emphasized the First Congressional District remains a swing district.

“Nancy Mace remains weaker than ever, and her GOP primary is becoming messier by the day,” he said. “No matter who Republicans nominate, the people of the First District want a representative who will stand up for working families, safeguard reproductive freedom and strengthen our democracy. That’s why we’re going to win in November.”

Moore, the founding head of the International African American Museum, added his message was resonating on the campaign trail.

“I’m so excited to continue growing our grassroots movement in the coming months,” he said. “Together, we’re going to restore honest leadership, common-sense solutions and Lowcountry values to Congress.”

Why they’re running

Moore said he’s running for Congress to put people over Washington’s politics, to build upon the public service of his ancestors and defend American democracy.

“It’s a perilous moment for American democracy,” he said. “Respect for the rule of law is eroding. Partisan gerrymandering and election lies have undermined voting rights across the country.

“Too many politicians are putting party first, and too many families are feeling left behind, distrusting of institutions. Meanwhile, our lawmakers are turning inward — refusing to come together and collaborate on common-sense solutions for the Lowcountry. In Congress, I’ll work to help bridge these divides.”

Deford, a veteran who has worked as a lawyer for local governments, also pointed to the importance of public service, particularly in today’s time.

“My entire career has been a testament to my commitment to serving others,” he said. “My decision to run for Congress is driven by the current dysfunction, with figures like Nancy Mace contributing to the total ineffectiveness of Washington.

“I’m not running because I have nothing better to do — I recently got married and am putting a thriving legal career on hold because I understand the urgent need for authentic leadership in Washington. This is a consequential period for our nation, and I believe I am well-equipped for this job.”

Moore’s top issues

Economy: “As a former business executive, I know firsthand that a healthy economy empowers all members of the workforce,” he said. “I also know that for too long, our neighbors have struggled to cope with rising prices and the cost of living in the Lowcountry, while the wealthiest earners fail to pay their fair share in taxes. I believe in economic policy that uplifts working families, respects labor rights, invests in local businesses and holds big corporations accountable.”

Reproductive freedom: “Today’s Republican politicians are just too extreme. They need to be reminded that a woman’s health care decisions belong between her and her doctor. In Congress, I’ll fight to get government out of your lives and to restore rights to South Carolinians, not take them away.”

Climate: “We here in the Lowcountry know better than most that the threat posed by climate change is real, and we must take decisive action to protect our flourishing coastal communities from environmental disasters. For South Carolina, government inaction is no longer an option. We owe it to our children and grandchildren to embrace proactive climate policy, keeping our planet healthy and habitable for generations to come.”

Deford’s top issues

Reproductive freedom: “This issue is personal for me as my maternal grandmother was denied her individual dignity in 1960, 13 years before Roe v. Wade, when she lost her life to a back-alley abortion. It had a profound impact on my family, including my mother, who was 5 1/2 at the time and was thrust into a broken foster care system with the loss of her mother. The hypocrisy of politicians claiming to be pro-life while neglecting critical social issues is repugnant.”

Economy: “We must also address our economy, including wage disparities, affordable housing and senior citizens’ financial security, to truly enhance the quality of life in South Carolina. All this business coming into South Carolina is only good if it’s good for South Carolinians.

Green America: “We must commit to clean water, pollution reduction and renewable energy investments to preserve our planet for future generations.”

Dynamics of the race

Filing for the seat opens March 16 and ends April 1. Deford and Moore face each other in the Democratic primary on June 11, the same day of the GOP primary in which Mace is expected to be challenged by at least two Republicans — her former chief of staff, Dan Hanlon of Hilton Head Island, and former gubernatorial candidate Catherine Templeton of Mount Pleasant.

The most recent quarterly federal campaign reporting data as of the end of 2023 showed three candidates with active fund-raising operations: Hanlon’s and Templeton’s candidacies were announced this year, and reporting isn’t yet due. As of Dec. 31:

Deford (Dem) raised just over $150,000 and spent just over $125,000. Cash on hand was $25,574.

Mace (GOP) had $1.1 million on hand after raising $1.5 million from individuals, other committees and committee transfers. She had spent more than $600,000.