Democratic candidates for SC’s 1st congressional district to meet in News 2 debate

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD)- WCBD News 2 will host a debate between the two candidates vying for the Democratic nomination in South Carolina’s 1st Congressional District next month.

Mac Deford and Michael B. Moore will face off in a televised debate on June 6 at 8 p.m.

The primetime Democratic debate will be hosted by WCBD’s Brendan Clark and moderated by WCBD’s Carolyn Murray and WSAV’s Ben Senger, who will pose questions to the candidates focused on current local and regional issues impacting the Lowcountry.

News 2’s Riley Benson and Brendan Clark will then host a post-debate special breaking down the candidates’ reactions on counton2.com.

Deford, an attorney and U.S. Coast Guard veteran, launched his campaign last May promising to build on his lifelong “commitment to public service” if elected to Congress. His platform centers around what he calls “critical issues” facing the district like affordable healthcare, women’s reproductive rights, combatting climate change, public education, and gun control.

Moore, a business executive and founding president of the International African American Museum, vowed to restore “Lowcountry common sense” to Washington when he officially launched his bid for the congressional seat. His campaign priorities include women’s reproductive rights, healthcare reforms, public education, gun control, managing overdevelopment, and the environment.

Both are hoping to unseat incumbent Rep. Nancy Mace (R), who is facing her own pair of primary challengers. The winners of both primaries will meet in the November general election.

The Democratic primary will take place on Tuesday, June 11. Early voting begins Tuesday, May 28, and runs through Friday, June 7.