
SC-01 Democratic nominee?
Primary Election
Party selects its nominee.
Overview
Current roleAttorney
PartyDemocratic
Political ideologyMainstream Democrat
GenderMale
LocationSouth Carolina
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BackgroundAttorney
EducationThe Citadel (B.A.)
Notable personal detailsWilliam McAdoo "Mac" Deford is an attorney and U.S. Coast Guard veteran who has run as a Democratic candidate for South Carolina's 1st Congressional District. He previously sought the Democratic nomination for SC-01 in 2024 and later launched a campaign for the seat again in the 2026 cycle. He has been publicly described as having served as general counsel for the Town of Hilton Head Island.
SourcesShowHide
Positions
Healthcare
The candidate’s campaign materials describe rising health care costs, high premiums and prescription drug prices, and criticize corporate middlemen and attacks on reproductive freedom, but do not lay out specific policy proposals such as support for Medicare for All, a public option, or detailed reforms.
Immigration & Border
Supports secure borders while opposing a border wall; favors a fair, efficient, and transparent immigration system that includes a path to citizenship for people brought to the U.S. as children and targeted removal of violent criminals. Wants immigration processes that facilitate legal entry and economic contribution and criticizes aggressive enforcement that bypasses legal norms.
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Abortion & Reproductive Rights
Supports federal protections for abortion access and seeks to codify Roe v. Wade; opposes extreme abortion bans and will advocate for national protections to ensure access to safe, legal reproductive health care.
Climate & Energy
Supports proactive climate policy focused on protecting the Lowcountry from climate impacts, investing in coastal protection and climate-resilient infrastructure, and promoting renewable energy and measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Public Safety & Guns
Supports expanded gun-safety measures including universal background checks, safe-storage requirements, and red flag standards while affirming responsible gun ownership and support for law enforcement. Seeks federal action to close the Charleston loophole and pursue coordinated public-safety and mental-health strategies to reduce gun violence.
Polls

Aggregation source: FiftyPlusOne
Fundraising
Latest report: Cycle 20262026
LatestCycle 2026
Source: FEC
New updates coming soon
We're monitoring and will update when new data impacts the race.
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