Charleston, SC, September 10, 2025
News Summary
Dr. Sam McCown, a physician from Charleston, has announced his candidacy for South Carolina’s 1st Congressional District, aiming to take over from Rep. Nancy Mace. McCown aligns with Trump’s agenda and focuses on issues like national debt and healthcare reform. The race features multiple Republican candidates and several Democrats, highlighting the competitiveness of the upcoming elections in this historically Republican district.
Charleston, S.C. – Dr. Sam McCown, a 57-year-old physician from Charleston, has officially launched his campaign for South Carolina’s 1st Congressional District, aiming to replace current representative Nancy Mace, who is running for governor. McCown, who holds a prominent position as the president of the Medical University of South Carolina’s College of Medicine Alumni Association Board of Directors, announced his candidacy on September 9, 2025, signaling a competitive race among Republican candidates.
In his announcement, McCown expressed a commitment to “champion President Donald J. Trump’s agenda,” indicating his alignment with current Republican leadership. He criticized fellow politicians for prioritizing fundraising efforts over the nation’s future and described Congress as effective at diagnosing issues but inadequate at implementing real solutions. His platform includes strong advocacy for addressing the national debt, which he highlights as a pressing issue for families, currently sitting at $37.1 trillion.
The race for the 1st District is expected to be intense, with McCown joining fellow Republican candidates such as Mark Smith, Jack Ellison, and Alex Pelbath. On the Democratic side, candidates including Mac Deford, Mayra Rivera-Vazquez, Max Diaz, and Robert Beers are also vying for the seat. This district has historically leaned Republican for 38 years, apart from a brief Democratic representation by Joe Cunningham from 2019 to 2021, when Mace successfully ousted him and defended her seat in the 2022 elections.
McCown’s professional background includes a distinguished career in radiology, predominantly at McLeod Medical Center in Florence, before shifting focus away from medicine. He is a graduate of Clemson University and was selected as a Club for Growth Foundation Fellow in 2020. His experiences in healthcare have galvanized his stance against government regulations he views as burdensome and inefficient. He recounts a personal loss—his sister’s death while awaiting critical care regulatory approvals—which underscores his call for reforms in healthcare systems.
As part of his campaign promises, McCown is vocal about supporting law enforcement, opposing diversity and inclusion policies in schools, and emphasizing the need for U.S. leadership in artificial intelligence. His focus on these specific issues aligns with a segment of Republican voters who value traditional policies and economic growth. With primary elections slated for June 9, 2026, and official filing for the ballot opening in March 2026, the dynamics of this congressional race are shaping up to be pivotal in South Carolina politics.
According to the Cook Political Report, the district exhibits a 6-point Republican advantage, making the upcoming elections crucial for both parties as they prepare to contest for significantly impactful seats in Congress.
FAQs
Who is Dr. Sam McCown?
Dr. Sam McCown is a 57-year-old physician from Charleston, S.C., currently the president of the Medical University of South Carolina’s College of Medicine Alumni Association Board of Directors.
What position is he running for?
Dr. McCown is running for the U.S. House of Representatives in South Carolina’s 1st Congressional District.
Who currently holds the seat?
The seat is currently held by Rep. Nancy Mace, who is running for governor.
What are McCown’s main campaign focuses?
McCown’s campaign focuses include addressing the national debt, supporting law enforcement, reducing healthcare regulations, and promoting U.S. leadership in artificial intelligence.
When are the primaries scheduled?
The primaries for the election are scheduled for June 9, 2026.
Key Features of the Article
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Candidacy Announcement | Dr. Sam McCown announces his intent to run for Congress. |
| Current Position | President of the Medical University of South Carolina’s College of Medicine Alumni Association Board of Directors. |
| Political Alignment | Supports Donald Trump’s agenda and advocates for Republican policies. |
| Competitors | Running against fellow Republicans Mark Smith, Jack Ellison, Alex Pelbath, and various Democratic candidates. |
| Key Issues | Focus on the national debt, healthcare regulations, law enforcement support, and U.S. technological leadership. |
| Primary Date | Primaries scheduled for June 9, 2026. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Sam McCown GOP SC Race for Congress
- Wikipedia: South Carolina’s 1st Congressional District
- Fits News: Charleston Physician Enters Lowcountry Congressional Race
- Google Search: Sam McCown Congress
- ABC News: Republican Physician Announces Run for Lowcountry’s U.S. House Seat
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Republican Party
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