What to expect in Thursday’s SC-01 Democratic primary debate

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD)- Democrats Mac Deford and Michael B. Moore will meet face-to-face Thursday night on News 2 in the First Congressional District race’s only scheduled debate.

With less than a week until the primary, each candidate is working to convince voters that he should advance to November’s general election.

Moderators will ask a series of questions on topics that matter most to voters in the Lowcountry including economic outlooks, how lawmakers should approach abortion legislation, and the crisis at the southern border, among others.

Each candidate will have one minute to respond to each question and may receive a follow-up question. The candidates will go back and forth answering questions and debating one another before making their final pitch in the form of a closing statement.

The two contenders have spent months on the campaign trail meeting with voters and listening to their concerns. But, they have also had a chance to hear from each other while participating in forums hosted by various community groups and organizations.

That all sets the stage for Thursday’s primetime showdown.

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” in the district like affordable healthcare, abortion access, combatting climate change, improving public education, and gun control.

“In Congress, Mac will prioritize the needs of the people as he has done throughout his life both in uniform and as a civilian,” Deford’s campaign website reads. “He will champion practical solutions that bring us together, enhance the security of our communities, and ensure a brighter future for our children.”

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 bringing economic relief to consumers, women’s reproductive rights, the environment, and restoring democracy.

“It’s time for a leader who will put the needs of their constituents over the whims of their party,” Moore’s campaign website states. “As a results-focused businessman, I’m ready to get to work on behalf of the people of this district — not the politicians in Washington.”

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.

News 2 extended invitations for a debate to the Republican candidates. Mace and Templeton declined the offer.