South Carolina — 1st District

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) — Democratic candidates for South Carolina’s 1st Congressional District took part in this year’s U.S. Congressional Democratic primary debate, giving voters insight into what the candidates’ visions are for the future of South Carolina — on key issues impacting the Lowcountry and the nation as a whole.

Some South Carolinian voters have already cast their ballots, but lawmakers in Columbia are still fighting over what the congressional map will look like, potentially impacting the process.

“We have to lead the way to the future we deserve. That’s a future where America protects its most vulnerable, where we realize the spirit of our democracy, and we create an economy that empowers every single American,” Matt Fulmer, a Democratic candidate for South Carolina’s 1st Congressional District and a restaurant worker, said.

Five of the Democratic candidates for South Carolina’s 1st Congressional District debated on the pressing issues facing the Lowcountry, but the conversation started with the ongoing redistricting efforts happening in Columbia.

Mac Deford (defordforcongress.com)

Max Diaz (maxdiazforcongress.com)

Matt Fulmer For Congress (fulmerforcongress.com)

Nancy Lacore (nancylacore.com)

Mayra Rivera Vazquez (mayra4congress.com)

“I think it’s totally insane. We are in the midst of an election. I mean, ballots have already been sent in. Are we just going to say that those military ballots that have come in, we’re just going to toss them in the trash and say that they don’t matter?” Mac Deford, a Democratic candidate for South Carolina’s 1st Congressional District, said.

Republicans at the State House are pushing a new congressional map — one that would redraw district lines — some argue that would help the GOP win all 7 of South Carolina’s congressional seats.

“On one hand, it’s likely to make several districts more competitive for democratic candidates. But on the other end, it’s all also a complete miscarriage of justice and of democratic principles,” Max Diaz, a Democratic candidate for South Carolina’s 1st Congressional District, said.

Redistricting could reshape the Lowcountry as voters know it, raising representation concerns.

“They could really wind up shooting themselves in the foot here. But I’d like to say that, of course, partisan gerrymandering is a blight on our nation, regardless of who does it, regardless of which political party does it. And we’re not living in a democracy when politicians get to pick their own voters.” Fulmer said.

“It’s taking out the right to vote for every voter here and it’s also a way to disenfranchise and to minorities, especially black communities and other minorities to vote,” Mayra Rivera Vazquez, a Democratic candidate for South Carolina’s 1st Congressional District, said.

Candidates say the push for redistricting also raises a red flag — because some votes have already been cast.

“There’s just a lot of chaos right now and it’s clear that the Republicans intended that, right? Because they’re worried about what was going to happen in the midterms,” Nancy Lacore, a Democratic candidate for South Carolina’s 1st Congressional District, said.

Election officials warn that the timeline is tightening as voting preparations are already underway, and early voting is set to begin May 26.

“The point of a primary is to get the best of your people, right? To put your best foot forward, your best candidate and representative in the race that you can. And if you completely confuse voters as to who’s even on their ballot, you really reduce the likelihood of actually doing that,” Diaz said.

The debate also touched on the Lowcountry’s affordability crisis, health care, infrastructure, flood mitigation and what these candidates envision for the future of South Carolina.

“We need to make sure that our citizens are guaranteed that they’re going to be treated with dignity by their own government.”

Early voting is set to begin May 26. The primary election for South Carolina’s 1st Congressional District is June 9.