Navy Admiral Dismissed by Hegseth Announces Congressional Bid

Bassyonni

ago 2 hours

A senior Navy official has announced her candidacy for Congress after being dismissed from her post by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Vice Admiral Nancy Lacore, who dedicated 35 years to the Navy, including roles as a helicopter pilot and Chief of the Navy Reserve, is running for South Carolina’s 1st Congressional District.

Navy Admiral Dismissed by Hegseth Announces Congressional Bid

Lacore made her announcement on Tuesday, sharing her story on social media. “After decades of service to our country, I was removed from my position without cause. I am not done serving,” she stated.

Background and Controversy

In August, Lacore was relieved of her duties along with two other high-ranking officials: Rear Admiral Milton Sands and Lieutenant General Jeffrey Kruse. Sands commanded the Naval Special Warfare Command, while Kruse led the Defense Intelligence Agency. The Defense Department has not provided a response regarding Lacore’s assertion of being fired without justification.

Political Landscape of South Carolina’s 1st District

The 1st District of South Carolina is considered conservative, covering areas including Charleston. President Donald Trump secured victories in both the 2020 and 2024 elections in this district. Currently, Republican Rep. Nancy Mace occupies the seat but is pursuing a gubernatorial run.

Democrats view this district as a potential opportunity, especially during a favorable election year. In 2018, Democrat Joe Cunningham flipped the district when his party regained majority control.

Support and Competition in the Primary

Nancy Lacore has received endorsements from EMILY’s List and The Bench, organizations that support women’s candidacies.
She is part of a competitive Democratic primary that includes Coast Guard veteran Mac Deford, who previously lost in the 2024 primaries.

On the Republican side, several candidates are vying for nomination, including:

Physician Sam McCown
State Rep. Mark Smith
Alex Pelbath, a retired Air Force lieutenant colonel known for his involvement in the final evacuation flight from Kabul in 2021.

Nancy Lacore’s congressional bid represents a significant transition from military to political life, showcasing her commitment to public service beyond her Navy career.