We need more candidates like this to win back rightly dissaffected voters. The Democrats almost purposefully drove the rural people in what should be purple states into the arms of the peoiple willing to talk to them - even if all they did was lie to them (this is the republicans I am referring to now).
I wish Mark Sanford would find something else to do than run for Congress again. And, if he was actually serious about South Carolina needing him to represent them in Washington, then he should have mounted a campaign to run against Graham for Senate.
Thanks for another interesting post. I find myself identifying with the comments of progressive SC voter, Sydney Van Buick, who said she's as far left as she can be but supports Admiral Lacore because she thinks moderates have a better chance of winning in her state. I think it's more important to ask who has a better chance of winning, rather than who is closest to my views. I believe that she and other moderate democrats will support most of my views once their elected - but they have to get elected first.
My ideas about what direction America should take after Trump are probably very different than Admiral Laubacher's. However, she has a strong possiblilyt of getting elected as an anti-fascist candidate from SC. Also, and just as important, she is a woman who has unselfishly devoted herslf to America with integrity and honesty. Those are the qualities America needs the most at this time.
It is so upsetting that she could be fired for no cause by a drunken racist who reports to totally corrupt pedophie.
Here in eastern Colorado’s 4th Congressional District, there is another retired Admiral, Eileen Laubacher, running as a Democrat to replace far right Republican Rep. Lauren Boebert. This race deserves attention as well. The district encompasses the bulk of eastern Colorado and is heavily Republican. In past cycles it was considered a lost cause for Dems, but given the swings we have seen in similar districts around the country and Eileen's unique qualities as a candidate, it us within reach this year.
Re: "At times, it didn’t always seem like she was thrilled to be running as a Democrat."
That's actually great!
It's interesting that the forum she attended was hosted by Indivisible. The No Kings rally in Chicago was hosted by Indivisible Chicago and very much reflected that group's priorities. They were, in my opinion, very much different from the priorities of the people in the crowd.
A Democrat that DOESN'T sound like that will be attractive in a swingy district like this, I think. Being a little different is good.
One thing you didn’t mention is that the district got RE-gerrymandered in ‘20 after Cunningham’s win. Mace easily picked it up in 20 and that’s where we’ve been. District 1 represents an important model for Democrats. The district has grown middle class jobs and democratic voters by increasing technology jobs that has brought educated skilled labor. Boeing 787s are manufactured here as well as Volvos and Mercedes trucks. All the satelite businesses bring in lots of jobs as well. Democrats can penetrate red states by creating tech around the university environment and grow their industries and voters. Imagine Morgantown WV becoming the solar tech center, what would that do to wv politics? If you think elected Republicans aren’t incentivized to keep their states poor than you’re being naive.
I live in Bluffton and have been very involved in politics here since 2017. I volunteered on Cunningham’s campaign. I thought he took for granted his incumbency in 2020 and that was a big reason he lost. In 2024, I supported Mac Deford who is also a veteran and has deeper ties to the Lowcountry. He has worked with both Democrats and Republicans in the past and I thought he had a better chance to win against Mace than Michael Moore who won the primary. I also know what you’re saying about Sanford. I have met him and he is engaging and charming. His office staff loved him. But the MAGAs hate that he turned on Trump.
I think the Democratic primary is basically a race between Lacore and Deford. Unfortunately it will likely go to a run off.
Fairly recent transplant to the Lowcountry here, from the Philly area, yo 👋.
My 2 cents? Nancy Mace is a complete trash fire. Beaufort is a military town - and a lot of folks have been out on Boundary & Ribaut protesting Trump’s actions - so that stink is washing over all Republicans. Tons of retirees here from the mid-Atlantic, bringing down their opinions. Everyone hates Lindsey Graham because of his cheerleading the war in Iran - another massive red mark against Republicans. I don’t see much MAGA crap out on the streets anymore, lots of complaining about the current Republican administration.
Please, Lauren, go talk to Democrats in California. We need more than Andrew’s piece. What the fuck is going on?
So, a candidate who puts a human face on the Trump/Hegseth abuse of the military, their corruption of the command structure for their personal agendas? And today we get some insight into how far down the chain of command their corrupt incompetence extends: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2026/04/16/iran-war-mail-packages-middle-east/89609308007/#
They say candidates need a compelling story. Trump’s writing hers
We need more candidates like this to win back rightly dissaffected voters. The Democrats almost purposefully drove the rural people in what should be purple states into the arms of the peoiple willing to talk to them - even if all they did was lie to them (this is the republicans I am referring to now).
Great to see service people running!
Be interested to see how this race plays out. Keep up posted Lauren.
I wish Mark Sanford would find something else to do than run for Congress again. And, if he was actually serious about South Carolina needing him to represent them in Washington, then he should have mounted a campaign to run against Graham for Senate.
Thanks for another interesting post. I find myself identifying with the comments of progressive SC voter, Sydney Van Buick, who said she's as far left as she can be but supports Admiral Lacore because she thinks moderates have a better chance of winning in her state. I think it's more important to ask who has a better chance of winning, rather than who is closest to my views. I believe that she and other moderate democrats will support most of my views once their elected - but they have to get elected first.
Touché! Given the pattern, the only way that dems can lose is for some folks who try to impose “woke ideology” on others, aka left wing stupidity.
An obvious example is mamdani and company. Need not say more. 🙏
The Middle Way. 🙏
https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/april-14-2026?utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=email
May all
insecure people find peace. 🙏
My ideas about what direction America should take after Trump are probably very different than Admiral Laubacher's. However, she has a strong possiblilyt of getting elected as an anti-fascist candidate from SC. Also, and just as important, she is a woman who has unselfishly devoted herslf to America with integrity and honesty. Those are the qualities America needs the most at this time.
It is so upsetting that she could be fired for no cause by a drunken racist who reports to totally corrupt pedophie.
Here in eastern Colorado’s 4th Congressional District, there is another retired Admiral, Eileen Laubacher, running as a Democrat to replace far right Republican Rep. Lauren Boebert. This race deserves attention as well. The district encompasses the bulk of eastern Colorado and is heavily Republican. In past cycles it was considered a lost cause for Dems, but given the swings we have seen in similar districts around the country and Eileen's unique qualities as a candidate, it us within reach this year.
Re: "At times, it didn’t always seem like she was thrilled to be running as a Democrat."
That's actually great!
It's interesting that the forum she attended was hosted by Indivisible. The No Kings rally in Chicago was hosted by Indivisible Chicago and very much reflected that group's priorities. They were, in my opinion, very much different from the priorities of the people in the crowd.
A Democrat that DOESN'T sound like that will be attractive in a swingy district like this, I think. Being a little different is good.
Touché!
Regarding your comment: There is always hope that some dems are open-minded. 🙏
Left wing stupidity has basically aided and abetted the vote for trump.
Fair winds and following seas, Ma'am!
More stories like this, please. And more from states that aren't the usual focus of the media.
One thing you didn’t mention is that the district got RE-gerrymandered in ‘20 after Cunningham’s win. Mace easily picked it up in 20 and that’s where we’ve been. District 1 represents an important model for Democrats. The district has grown middle class jobs and democratic voters by increasing technology jobs that has brought educated skilled labor. Boeing 787s are manufactured here as well as Volvos and Mercedes trucks. All the satelite businesses bring in lots of jobs as well. Democrats can penetrate red states by creating tech around the university environment and grow their industries and voters. Imagine Morgantown WV becoming the solar tech center, what would that do to wv politics? If you think elected Republicans aren’t incentivized to keep their states poor than you’re being naive.
I live in Bluffton and have been very involved in politics here since 2017. I volunteered on Cunningham’s campaign. I thought he took for granted his incumbency in 2020 and that was a big reason he lost. In 2024, I supported Mac Deford who is also a veteran and has deeper ties to the Lowcountry. He has worked with both Democrats and Republicans in the past and I thought he had a better chance to win against Mace than Michael Moore who won the primary. I also know what you’re saying about Sanford. I have met him and he is engaging and charming. His office staff loved him. But the MAGAs hate that he turned on Trump.
I think the Democratic primary is basically a race between Lacore and Deford. Unfortunately it will likely go to a run off.
Well I’m embarrassed: 1. Lauren you didn’t tell us you were coming to visit. 2. I had no idea this woman was running and I’m in her district!!! 🤯
Fairly recent transplant to the Lowcountry here, from the Philly area, yo 👋.
My 2 cents? Nancy Mace is a complete trash fire. Beaufort is a military town - and a lot of folks have been out on Boundary & Ribaut protesting Trump’s actions - so that stink is washing over all Republicans. Tons of retirees here from the mid-Atlantic, bringing down their opinions. Everyone hates Lindsey Graham because of his cheerleading the war in Iran - another massive red mark against Republicans. I don’t see much MAGA crap out on the streets anymore, lots of complaining about the current Republican administration.
Re: "Everyone hates Lindsey Graham..."
Yeah, but he still gets elected. I don't understand it, but there it is.
Thank you so much for including the gift links Lauren!
Also, great piece/profile!!