Both of the candidates running in the June 11, 2024, Democratic primary election for South Carolina’s 1st Congressional District — Mac Deford (D) and Michael B. Moore (D) — completed Ballotpedia’s Candidate Connection survey. These survey responses allow voters to hear directly from candidates about what motivates them to run for office.
Here are the candidates’ responses to the question: What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?
Deford:
“Defending Women’s Reproductive Rights. My maternal grandmother lost her life at age 32 in the 1960s following a backroom abortion because she was denied access to safe reproductive healthcare. Her story serves as a stark reminder of the dire consequences of denying women their right to choose. Her death forced my mother into a broken foster care system at age 5 1/2, further highlighting the impact of extreme abortion bans. I am staunchly committed to the codification of a federal protection guaranteeing women the right to make their own healthcare decisions.
Strengthening Public Education. I believe that education forms the cornerstone of our society. We must urgently invest heavily in this area. I am an advocate for federal support in education, which includes increasing funding for public schools and elevating standards of education, ensuring every child has a chance for a brighter future.
Championing Youth Engagement. The sit-in movement, which resulted in the Civil Rights Act of 1964, started with a few college students. I am a fervent believer in the potential of our younger generation. Every era has its defining challenge, and it appears that my generation is rallying around the dignity of the individual. I am committed to the inclusion of our nation’s youth in shaping the future of America.”
Moore:
“An Economy That Works for Everyone:
As a former business executive, I know firsthand that a healthy economy empowers all members of the workforce. I also know that for too long, our neighbors have struggled to cope with rising prices and the cost of living in the Lowcountry, while the wealthiest earners fail to pay their fair share in taxes. I believe in economic policy that uplifts working families, respects labor rights, invests in local businesses, and holds big corporations accountable.
Protecting Women’s Health Care:
When it comes to reproductive freedoms, today’s Republican politicians are just too extreme. They need to be reminded that a woman’s health care decisions belong between her and her doctor. In Congress, I’ll fight to get government out of your lives and to restore rights to South Carolinians, not take them away. Moreover, I pledge to stick up for working families with children, and my voting record will reflect the values of this district — focused on bodily autonomy and fundamental freedoms.
Combating the Climate Crisis:
We here in the Lowcountry know better than most that the threat posed by climate change is real, and we must take decisive action to protect our flourishing coastal communities from environmental disasters. For South Carolina, government inaction is no longer an option. We owe it to our children and grandchildren to embrace proactive climate policy, keeping our planet healthy and habitable for generations to come.”
Click on the candidates’ profile pages below to read their full responses to this and other questions.
We ask all federal, state, and local candidates with profiles on Ballotpedia to complete a survey and share what motivates them on political and personal levels. Ask the candidates in your area to fill out the survey.
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