Mount Pleasant, August 18, 2025
News Summary
Mac Deford, a Democratic candidate for South Carolina’s 1st Congressional District, is hosting his inaugural town hall meeting in Mount Pleasant. Scheduled for August 26, the event aims to encourage community engagement amidst pressure on incumbent Nancy Mace, who is campaigning for governor. Deford’s approach emphasizes direct interactions with residents, reflecting a growing demand for accountability and dialogue from elected officials. Other candidates have joined the race, increasing competition as the midterm elections approach.
Mount Pleasant Hosts Mac Deford’s First Town Hall for SC-01 Congressional District Race
Mount Pleasant, South Carolina – Mac Deford, a Democratic candidate and veteran, is set to host his first town hall meeting for the South Carolina’s 1st Congressional District race. This significant event is scheduled for Tuesday, August 26, with doors opening at 6 p.m. at the Mount Pleasant Town Hall. Deford’s campaign has highlighted that he is the first candidate for the SC-01 seat to conduct a town hall meeting in the lead-up to the 2026 midterm elections.
This town hall comes amid growing criticism directed at the incumbent Congresswoman Nancy Mace. Currently, Mace is campaigning for governor, which has prompted calls from critics demanding more engagement with constituents in her district. This criticism intensified following President Trump’s inauguration in 2025, leading to increased public sentiment favoring direct interactions with elected officials.
In response to the backlash, Mace has initiated a statewide series of town hall meetings known as “Mother of All Town Halls.” However, she did not accept an invitation to participate in a town hall organized by the Lowcountry Accountability Alliance and Mount Pleasant Town Councilwoman G.M. Whitley, which labeled the event as “FAKE NEWS” and associated it with left-wing extremism. The last town hall she held was on June 7, shortly before her Republican primary, and since then, she has not hosted another, despite multiple requests for engagement. Approximately 12,000 calls were made to her office, requesting a town hall event.
Deford emphasized the need for in-person meetings, asserting that “showing up and listening face-to-face is non-negotiable” and underlining that residents of the Lowcountry deserve access to their representatives. His campaign aims to build solutions with the community that mirror shared values and visions for the future, regardless of political affiliation.
Alongside Deford, the race for the SC-01 seat is becoming crowded. Republican State Rep. Mark Smith announced his candidacy last week, joining other declared candidates, including Republican Jack Ellison and Democrats Robert Beers, Max Diaz, and Mayra Rivera-Vazquez. The increasing number of candidates adds intensity to the upcoming elections.
The significant increase in public concern regarding lawmakers’ connection with constituents highlights a national trend where many representatives are facing similar pressures to engage directly with those they serve.
As part of his strategy to connect with the community, Deford’s town hall aims to foster dialogue and encourage participation among the residents of Mount Pleasant and surrounding areas. This town hall is anticipated to be an essential platform for Deford as he seeks to represent the diverse interests of his community leading up to the forthcoming elections.
Key Details of the Town Hall Event
- Date: Tuesday, August 26
- Time: Doors open at 6 p.m.
- Location: Mount Pleasant Town Hall
Background Context
The congressional race for SC-01 has become increasingly competitive, with multiple candidates vying for the attention of voters. The ongoing challenges and expectations that constituents have for their representatives have underscored the importance of public engagement. In a time when political representation is often scrutinized, Deford’s proactive approach through town halls may stand to inform voters and build community trust.
Candidate Overview
| Candidates | Party |
|---|---|
| Mac Deford | Democrat |
| Nancy Mace (Incumbent) | Republican |
| Mark Smith | Republican |
| Jack Ellison | Republican |
| Robert Beers | Democrat |
| Max Diaz | Democrat |
| Mayra Rivera-Vazquez | Democrat |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the purpose of the town hall hosted by Mac Deford?
The town hall is intended to foster direct engagement with constituents and discuss community concerns and solutions.
When and where will the town hall take place?
The town hall is scheduled for Tuesday, August 26, at Mount Pleasant Town Hall, with doors opening at 6 p.m.
Who are the candidates for the SC-01 Congressional District race?
Declared candidates include Mac Deford (Democrat), Nancy Mace (Republican, Incumbent), Mark Smith (Republican), Jack Ellison (Republican), Robert Beers (Democrat), Max Diaz (Democrat), and Mayra Rivera-Vazquez (Democrat).
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- ABC News 4: Mac Deford Announces Town Hall
- Post and Courier: Deford Announces Congressional Run
- Live 5 News: Rep. Mace Rejects Town Hall Invite
- Count on 2: Voters Voice Frustration Over Mace’s Decline
- Count on 2: Mount Pleasant Dedicates Town Hall Gym
- Wikipedia: United States Congress
- Google Search: South Carolina Congressional District 1
- Google Scholar: Mac Deford
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Congress
- Google News: South Carolina Congressional Race
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