Money race tightens in First Congressional District Democratic primary

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD)- The fundraising gap between Democratic candidates for South Carolina’s First Congressional District has tightened with a week to go until the primary, federal campaign finance records show.

Mac Deford reported receiving just under $103,000 between April 1 and May 22 — nearly double what Michael B. Moore reported during the same period, according to Federal Election Commission filings.

The U.S. Coast Guard veteran said the fundraising haul signals that momentum is building for his primary bid.

“I am proud of the amazing folks who have stepped up to donate their time, money, and resources to our campaign,” Deford said. “In the last few months, the momentum we have seen is nothing short of incredible. We are proud to have outraised our opponent 2-1 during this last period and to have raised more money in the last three months than he raised all year.”

But, Moore still has a slight edge in cash-on-hand, having outraised Deford last year and in the first quarter of 2024. The most recent filings show Moore with $94,000 left in the bank to Deford’s $90,000.

“Our campaign has significantly outraised our Democratic primary opponent over the course of this election cycle. That’s a fact,” Moore campaign spokesperson Quint Forgey said. “In the final few weeks before this critical primary election, Michael has prioritized engaging with Lowcountry Democrats over calling potential donors — because that’s what will make the difference come June 11.”

In a race where the candidates share similar positions on several policy issues, money could be a key determinant of who emerges victorious.

“More often than not in politics, candidates who raise the most money go on to win,” political analyst John Brisini said. “Make no mistake, running for office in this country is expensive. You need an account flush with funds to pay for things: signs, media spots, staff travel, etc.”

In the pre-primary period, Moore spent about $86,000 and Deford spent about $100,000, FEC records show.

“Money really is the life-blood to campaign messaging,” Brisini added. “Without it, it is extremely hard to create awareness about your campaign organically. People like to back winners too. The more you can raise, the more you can prove people are willing to get behind your message, not just with their vote but with their pocketbook.”

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.

“People all across the Lowcountry are responding to our campaign because we are talking directly about the issues that matter most,” Deford said. “Nancy Mace and the candidates running in the Republican Primary threaten our lives, our freedoms and our safety with their backward agendas.”

“Every single day, Michael has been meeting voters where they’re at sharing his hopeful vision for the future of SC-01,” Forgey said. “We’re confident that we have the resources, resolve, and grassroots support needed to win this primary and flip this swing district in November.”

Early voting for the Democratic primary is underway and runs through Friday, June 7. The election will be held on June 11.