A former Navy vice admiral removed during Pentagon leadership changes is now seeking a seat in Congress, framing her campaign around accountability in government, support for service members and affordability for working families.
Nancy S. Lacore, a Democrat and former Chief of Navy Reserve, is running in South Carolina’s 1st Congressional District in 2026, challenging Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.). Lacore is centering her campaign on four pillars outlined on her website: putting people first, expanding affordability and opportunity, honoring service and building what she calls “a future worth passing on.”
Lacore was designated a Naval Aviator in 1993 and most recently served as the 16th Chief of Navy Reserve, overseeing approximately 59,000 Reserve Component personnel supporting Navy, Marine Corps and joint missions. Her departure occurred during broader leadership changes at the Defense Department under Secretary Pete Hegseth.
DoD declined to comment on Lacore’s removal, according to her campaign. The Navy also declined to comment on the matter, the spokesperson said, adding that the White House “cannot comment on the Hatch Act.”
The Hatch Act is a federal law that restricts partisan political activity by executive branch employees, including many civilian and military officials, while they are serving in government positions. Active-duty service members are also subject to Defense Department regulations limiting political activity.
Military.com reached out for comment to Rep. Mace’s office, the South Carolina Republican Party, and the South Carolina Democratic Party.
South Carolina's 1st District primary is June 9, and a primary runoff is June 23. Successful candidates will move forward to the general election on Nov. 3. The filing deadline is March 30.
Service, Affordability and Accountability
Lacore’s campaign frames government as an institution that should “serve people not parties or special interests,” emphasizing integrity and responsiveness to families and communities.
Campaign officials said she plans to emphasize military readiness and accountability while ensuring service members, veterans and first responders receive meaningful support. Her platform under the heading “Honor Service” calls for fair pay, safe working conditions, quality health care and stronger support for military families.
South Carolina’s 1st District includes Joint Base Charleston and a significant population of active duty personnel, retirees and veterans, making national security and service-related issues central to the electorate.
Oversight fights have already surfaced in Washington as lawmakers push to reshape weapons buying and demand more transparency from Pentagon leadership, including in the annual defense policy bill.
Affordability and Opportunity
Beyond defense issues, Lacore’s website places heavy emphasis on lowering everyday costs.
Her “Affordability and Opportunity” pillar argues that housing, health care, child care and daily essentials have strained families, seniors, veterans and young Americans. The campaign says she believes hard work should result in a stable life and that economic policy should reflect long-term opportunity rather than short-term political gains.
Campaign officials did not outline specific legislative proposals but said Lacore intends to focus on practical measures that address cost-of-living pressures while maintaining fiscal responsibility.
Veterans and Military Families
South Carolina is home to more than 400,000 veterans, according to U.S. Census Bureau data, and the Lowcountry contains a dense concentration of retirees and military-connected families.
Lacore’s campaign said her years of service inform her focus on improving access to health care and strengthening support systems for veterans and their families. Her platform does not detail specific reforms but emphasizes accountability and measurable results in programs serving those who have worn the uniform.
Claims delays have remained a pressure point nationally as the VA has worked through heavy volumes tied to new eligibility rules and older backlogs, with growing attention on whether automation and AI tools will change how claims move through the system.
Military.com reached out for comment to the VA.
The Political Landscape
South Carolina’s 1st Congressional District includes Charleston, Mount Pleasant, Hilton Head Island and much of the coastal Lowcountry. The district has leaned Republican in presidential elections but has seen competitive congressional cycles in recent years.
Rep. Nancy Mace won reelection in 2024. South Carolina’s primary elections are scheduled for June 2026, with runoffs two weeks later if no candidate secures a majority. The general election will be held in November 2026.
President Donald Trump carried the district in 2024, reinforcing its Republican tilt at the top of the ticket. Even so, the seat flipped in 2018 before returning to Republican control in 2020, reflecting volatility in a region shaped by military growth, suburban shifts and tourism-driven development.
Military.com reached out to Rep. Mace’s office, the South Carolina Republican Party and the South Carolina Democratic Party for comment.
