Nancy Lacore, a retired Navy three-star admiral with a storied 35-year career, has entered the political arena with a bid for Congress in South Carolina’s 1st District.

Nancy Lacore, removed from her role as chief of the Navy Reserve last August by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, announced her candidacy on Tuesday for the seat currently held by Republican Rep. Nancy Mace, who is now running for governor. The right-leaning district, which includes Charleston, has supported President Donald Trump in recent elections. Lacore’s campaign, launched via an X post, places her in a crowded Democratic primary field including Coast Guard veteran Mac Deford, while several Republicans compete in their June primary.

The announcement has drawn attention to a district Democrats view as potentially winnable in a strong election year, as seen in 2018 when Democrat Joe Cunningham flipped the seat. Lacore has gained early endorsements from EMILYs List, a liberal group advocating for women in politics, and The Bench, a new Democratic organization supporting candidates in competitive races. The Defense Department offered no comment on Tuesday regarding Lacore’s claim of being dismissed without cause.

Navy Service and Sudden Dismissal

Lacore’s removal last August, alongside Rear Adm. Milton Sands of Naval Special Warfare Command and Lt. Gen. Jeffrey Kruse of the Defense Intelligence Agency, has fueled discussion about military leadership decisions under Hegseth, as reported by ABC News. The lack of public explanation from the Defense Department raises valid questions. Transparency matters, especially when a decorated officer’s career ends abruptly.F

In her announcement, Lacore didn’t hold back on the circumstances of her exit. “After decades of service to our country, a career that started as a Navy pilot and finished as a three-star admiral, I was removed from my position without cause,” she posted on X. That’s a weighty accusation, and without a response from the Pentagon, it only deepens distrust in how military brass are handled.

Let’s not mince words: dismissing someone with Lacore’s record—35 years from helicopter pilot to admiral—without a clear reason looks like politics trumping merit. If there’s a justification, the public should hear it. Silence just undermines confidence in the chain of command.

Political Dynamics in Charleston District

South Carolina’s 1st District, with its conservative leanings, isn’t an easy target for any Democrat, even one with Lacore’s credentials. With Nancy Mace stepping away to pursue the governorship, the open seat offers a sliver of opportunity. Still, Democrats will need more than wishful thinking to shift the tide here.

Lacore faces a packed Democratic primary, including Mac Deford, who previously lost a race for the seat, while the Republican side features candidates like physician Sam McCown, State Rep. Mark Smith, and retired Air Force Lt. Col. Alex Pelbath, known for piloting the last American flight out of Kabul in 2021. That’s a formidable GOP lineup. Lacore must carve out a distinct message to even reach the general election.

Her military background could appeal to some, but in a district that prioritizes traditional values, endorsements from progressive-leaning groups like EMILYs List might not sit well with moderates. Voters here tend to favor candidates aligned with their core principles over flashy resumes. Lacore’s got an uphill battle to prove she fits the mold.

What Lacore’s Candidacy Signals

Beyond this race, Lacore’s candidacy raises broader questions about whether military service can bridge today’s partisan divide. She emphasized her resolve in her X post: “I still have more to give, more to fight for, more work to do -- and I am not done serving.” Noble sentiment, but will voters see her as a servant of their interests or just another figure chasing a new title?

The timing of her removal, alongside other senior officers, suggests a possible pattern of sidelining leaders who don’t toe a specific line within the current Defense Department. If true, that’s a worrisome trend for prioritizing allegiance over expertise. Military communities in the district might take a hard look at this.

Democrats seem eager to position Lacore as a fresh face, with early party support signaling confidence. Yet, pushing a candidate tied to progressive organizations in a conservative area risks turning off swing voters who might otherwise admire her service. It’s a strategic misstep that could cost her.

Roadblocks for Lacore’s Campaign

Looking forward, Lacore must contend with a Republican field brimming with strong contenders. Pelbath’s military story, tied to the Kabul evacuation, could strike a deep chord with patriotic voters. Lacore’s Navy tenure is notable, but she’ll need to tie it to everyday concerns to gain traction.

This race in South Carolina’s 1st District will mirror larger national debates—service versus ideology, conservative roots versus progressive outreach. Lacore’s entry adds a layer of interest, but she’s stepping into a tough arena of seasoned GOP candidates and wary voters. Her campaign’s success is far from guaranteed.