Welcome to Dixie Dems, part of the Lean to the Left Podcast, where progressive voices from the South take on today’s toughest political challenges.
In this episode, we’re joined by Mac Deford, who is seeking the Democratic nomination for South Carolina’s First Congressional District — a seat currently held by Republican Nancy Mace, who is now running for governor.
👉 Mac is a former U.S. Coast Guard officer, Citadel graduate, and Charleston School of Law alum. He shares why he’s running and his vision for South Carolina’s Low Country, including:
🏘️ Addressing housing affordability
🏥 Expanding healthcare access
🛠️ Investing in infrastructure
🗳️ Fighting gerrymandering and restoring accountability
Our panelists Arthur Hill (NC) and Robert Thompson (GA) join host Bob Gatty (SC) to also explore:
The impact of government shutdowns on working families
Strategies to engage young voters
The future of Social Security under GOP pressure
How to challenge MAGA politics in the South
📌 Chapters
00:00 Introduction & Guest Announcement
00:45 Meet Mac Deford: Candidate for Congress
01:40 Mac Deford’s Motivation & Vision
03:06 Understanding South Carolina’s Low Country
03:56 Key Campaign Issues: Housing, Healthcare, Infrastructure
06:12 Standing Out in a Crowded Primary
10:40 Government Shutdown Impacts
13:32 Healthcare & the MAGA Agenda
16:45 Republican Tactics & Performative Politics
20:39 Town Halls & Guest Appearances
22:42 Social Security Concerns
24:50 Gerrymandering in South Carolina
30:16 Engaging Younger Voters
33:54 Affordable Housing Initiatives
37:51 Closing Remarks & Campaign Info
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