Admiral fired by Hegseth wins South Carolina House seat
Former Navy Vice Adm. Nancy Lacore, dismissed by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in 2025, has claimed victory in South Carolina's 1st Congressional District, turning her removal from military command into striking political comeback
WASHINGTON (MNTV) — Democratic candidate Nancy Lacore, a retired U.S. Navy vice admiral dismissed by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, has claimed victory in South Carolina’s 1st Congressional District, delivering another electoral blow to Republicans in a traditionally conservative stronghold.
Lacore’s victory over Republican Jenny Costa Honeycutt adds to the Democrats’ sweeping midterm gains, which have enabled the party to reach the 218-seat threshold needed to reclaim control of the House of Representatives. The result underscores the scale of the Republican setbacks and the erosion of the party’s support even in districts long considered safe Republican territory.
Lacore is expected to replace Republican Rep. Nancy Mace, who vacated the seat to pursue an unsuccessful campaign for governor. Her victory represents a significant breakthrough for Democrats in a district where Republicans have traditionally enjoyed a considerable electoral advantage.
Beyond its electoral significance, Lacore’s win carries particular political weight because of her confrontation with Hegseth. She previously served as the 16th chief of the Navy Reserve, overseeing reserve personnel, readiness training and their integration into active-duty military operations.
Her military career came to an abrupt end in August 2025, when Hegseth removed her from command approximately one year after she assumed the position. Her dismissal was part of a broader leadership overhaul initiated by the defense secretary, which resulted in the removal of several senior military officials.
Lacore’s transition from a dismissed senior military officer to an elected member of Congress gives her victory an additional dimension, placing her in a position to challenge the administration’s policies from within the legislative branch.
The outcome also reflects a broader political reversal for Republicans, as Democratic candidates made substantial gains in congressional and gubernatorial contests, defeating Republican incumbents and capturing seats in traditionally conservative areas.
Lacore’s win places a former senior military official dismissed under Hegseth directly in the House of Representatives as Democrats prepare to exercise greater oversight over the Pentagon and the administration’s national security policies.
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