Nancy Lacore, a retired three-star Navy admiral who was dismissed by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth last year, has advanced to a runoff election in the Democratic primary for South Carolina's 1st Congressional District, according to Decision Desk HQ projections.

Lacore will face veteran Mac Deford in the runoff after both candidates defeated other Democratic candidates in the primary for the seat. The district stretches along the southeast coast of South Carolina.

The congressional seat became available after Representative Nancy Mace chose to run unsuccessfully for governor rather than seek re-election to her House position.

The winner of the Democratic runoff will face a challenging general election in the fall, as the district was redrawn in 2021 to favor Republican candidates. South Carolina's 1st Congressional District has historically leaned Republican in recent election cycles.

Lacore's military background as a three-star admiral represents her primary credential as she seeks to transition from military service to elected office. Her dismissal by Hegseth has become part of her political narrative in the campaign.