South Carolina Will Elect New Representative November 3
The 1st Congressional District seat will be decided following the decision of incumbent Nancy Mace to not seek re-election.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Elections
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South Carolina voters will head to the polls on November 3, 2026, to elect a new representative for the 1st Congressional District. The race follows incumbent Nancy Mace's decision to step down from the U.S. House to run for governor.
Why it matters
The election marks a leadership transition for the district, which has been held by Mace since January 2021. Candidates from multiple parties are competing to fill the vacancy after finalizing their nominations in the June primary runoffs.
Official runoff results confirmed Nancy Lacore and Jenny Costa Honeycutt as the primary winners. The final outcome remains subject to the upcoming November 3 general election.
The players
Nancy Lacore
She is a Democratic candidate who served 35 years in the Navy and was the Chief of Navy Reserve.
Jenny Costa Honeycutt
She is a Republican candidate who has served on the Charleston County Council since 2018 and practices law in Charleston.
Nancy Mace
She is the incumbent U.S. Representative who has held the 1st Congressional District seat since 2021.
Bill Reeside
He is a candidate who works for Habitat for Humanity of York County.
Clayton Cuteri
He is a candidate who serves as Secretary General of the American Congress Party.
The details
The ballot features candidates Nancy Lacore, Jenny Costa Honeycutt, Bill Reeside, and Clayton Cuteri. The major party nominees emerged from competitive June 23 runoff elections to face off in the final contest.
Timeline
January 3, 2021: Nancy Mace began her term in Congress.
June 23, 2026: Lacore and Honeycutt won their respective primary runoffs.
October 7, 2026: Lacore and Honeycutt will participate in a debate.
November 3, 2026: The general election for the Congressional seat occurs.
Political Context
Opponents often criticize the transition of power during open-seat elections, citing concerns about losing the influence of an experienced incumbent. Dissenting groups frequently emphasize the need for continuity in legislative advocacy for the district.
The result of this election will determine who represents the district in the U.S. House of Representatives starting in 2027. Residents should prepare for potential changes in federal policy advocacy and local constituent services based on the successful candidate's platform.
The takeaway
Voters in the 1st District are encouraged to review the platforms of all listed candidates ahead of the November 3 election. Attending the upcoming debate on October 7 is an effective way to compare how each candidate intends to address district concerns.
Further reading
For more information on the upcoming vote, visit the Elections page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WSAV News 3.
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