Beaufort County eyes turn to South Carolina U.S. Congressional seat ahead of runoff

BEAUFORT COUNTY, S.C. (WTOC) - Voters in South Carolina’s 1st Congressional District will head to the polls Tuesday for runoff elections that will decide who advances to November in both the Republican and Democratic races.

The seat is open for the first time in several years after Republican U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace announced she is running for governor.

The district, one of the wealthiest in the state, stretches from the southern end of Beaufort County up the coast through parts of Charleston, with several communities in between.

Higher-than-usual interest in a runoff

Beaufort County election officials say turnout is expected to be stronger than a typical runoff, driven by voter interest in several high-profile races.

“I think people are invested in those races, so I think that is driving voter turnout,” Director of the Beaufort County Board of Voter Registration and Elections, Jean Felix, said.

Democratic runoff: Deford vs. Lacore

On the Democratic ballot, Coast Guard veteran Mac Deford faces retired Navy Rear Admiral Nancy Lacore.

Lacore has emphasized bipartisan leadership, protecting the Lowcountry coastline, and lowering housing costs.

Deford has focused on affordability, healthcare, and government accountability, while also pointing to infrastructure and property issues impacting coastal communities.

“I know our infrastructure needs. I know the fact that we’ve got housing, you know, cost of living crisis, especially with housing. I know that the Gullah Geechee community is really struggling with heirs’ property issues,” Deford said.

“Everybody is hurting financially right now with the cost of living. It’s not just Democrats, it’s Republicans, independents, you name it,” Lacore said. “Everybody should be focused on that and focused on protecting our home here, South Carolina.”

Republican runoff: Smith vs. Honeycutt

On the Republican side, voters will choose between former State Representative Mark Smith and former Charleston County councilwoman Jenny Costa Honeycutt.

Honeycutt has emphasized reducing government spending, promoting economic growth, and ensuring public safety.

Smith has pointed to his legislative experience and conservative voting record.

“If you want a strong conservative who’s got a conviction to do the right thing and take the tough votes, I’d be honored to have your vote,” Smith said.

“We must get rid of the fraud, waste, and abuse, and I will stand alongside President Trump to do just that,” Honeycutt said. “We must balance our budget; that’s the bottom line.”

What to know before you vote

Polls open 7 a.m. Tuesday across South Carolina and close at 7 p.m.

In Beaufort County, election officials say early voting has already exceeded expectations. More than 4,500 people voted early across Beaufort County’s four early voting sites, and nearly 400 voted early in Jasper County ahead of Election Day.

Officials also noted that precinct operations will look similar to the primary: Beaufort County will use 80 of its 86 precincts, and polling locations remain the same as they were for the June 9 primary.

One key rule for voters: if you voted in the June 9 primary, you must vote the same party’s ballot in the runoff.

“Voters who voted on June 9th, whichever party’s ballot they chose then, they must vote the same ballot when they go to vote tomorrow for the runoff,” Felix said. “If they did not vote on June 9th, they can still vote tomorrow. They will just have to make that selection.”

The winners of Tuesday’s runoffs will advance to the November general election.

If you have questions about your polling place or would like to see a sample ballot, you can click here.