Former Navy Admiral Nancy Lacore Announces Run for Congress in South Carolina

Three-star Admiral Nancy Lacore announces her Democratic bid for South Carolina’s 1st Congressional District after being removed from her Pentagon position.

Three-Star Admiral Enters Political Arena After Pentagon Ouster

Nancy Lacore, a three-star admiral and former chief of the Navy Reserve, announced her candidacy for South Carolina’s 1st Congressional District, marking her transition from military service to politics. Lacore, who was removed from her Pentagon position last August by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, shared the news in a video on social platform X.

“I never put the uniform on again after leaving the Pentagon, but I can’t stand by while Americans and South Carolinians are struggling,” Lacore said. She criticized current Washington leadership, saying elected officials “care more about party politics than standing up for the Constitution.”

Military Career and Controversial Ouster

Lacore’s military career spans over three decades, beginning as a Navy pilot and culminating in her role as vice admiral and chief of the Navy Reserve. Her removal by Hegseth last year came alongside dozens of other senior officials, including Lt. Gen. Jeffrey Kruse of the Defense Intelligence Agency.

While Lacore claims she was fired without cause, a Pentagon spokesperson declined to comment on the assertion. The dismissal sparked debate about the politicization of senior military appointments in recent years.

Congressional Bid and Election Context

Lacore is running as a Democrat to fill the seat being vacated by Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.), who is pursuing the Republican nomination for governor. The deadline to file for the Congressional race is March 30, with the primary scheduled for June 9.

The Democratic field includes Coast Guard veteran Mac Deford, who previously ran in the 2024 primary. On the Republican side, physician Sam McCown and retired Air Force Col. Alex Pelbath are among a crowded list of candidates. As of February 2025, the Cook Political Report rated the district as solidly Republican, suggesting Lacore faces an uphill battle in November.

Focus on Constitutional Duty Over Party Politics

In her campaign announcement, Lacore emphasized service and constitutional responsibility over party loyalty. “Our leaders in Congress are not working for us. They have lost the courage to act, to fight for and to serve the people they represent,” she said.

Lacore’s transition from high-ranking military leadership to politics highlights a growing trend of former service members entering Congress, bringing their experience in national defense and public service to the legislative arena.