Democratic Bluffton local starts bid to succeed Nancy Mace for SC’s 1st Congressional District seat
Bluffton resident and longtime Democratic Party organizer, Mayra Rivera-Vazquez, is stepping into the political spotlight, going from activist and operative to candidate.
Rivera-Vazquez launched her campaign this week to represent South Carolina’s 1st Congressional District, marking a move that could make her the first Latina to win the seat.
At 63, Rivera-Vazquez brings personal and professional experience to her campaign. A mother, veteran’s wife and grandmother, she moved to the Lowcountry from Puerto Rico nearly 14 years ago when her husband was transferred to Parris Island. Since then, Bluffton has become home — and the foundation for what she calls a grassroots movement for change.
“I know what it’s like to work hard and still see your family struggle to get ahead,” she said in an interview with The Island Packet. “That’s the reason I’m running.”
On policy
In her launch video, Rivera-Vazquez states that the 1st District has “no voice in Washington” and that she wants to build “a new American dream.”
Her campaign largely focuses on working families, affordable housing, access to education, quality healthcare and support for local businesses.
“I want people to see this campaign not just as one person’s run,” she told The Island Packet. “It’s a grassroots movement.”
She also noted that environmental protections and smart, sustainable growth are priorities for her campaign in the Lowcountry.
On immigration, Rivera-Vazquez states that she is advocating for strong borders, smart policies and compassion.
“America was built by immigrants,” she said. “Our diversity is our strength.”
Her experience
Rivera-Vazquez holds a background in legal, economic and infrastructure experience.
She has served in multiple leadership roles within the Democratic Party, including chair of the Beaufort County Democratic Party and as a consultant on former state Sen. Mia McLeod’s 2022 gubernatorial campaign.
Most recently, she served as the 2nd vice chair of the S.C. Democratic Party, a post she has now stepped down from to focus on her campaign.
To address the diversity of South Carolina’s 1st District, Rivera-Vazquez is planning to campaign in both English and Spanish.
Before even launching her bid, Rivera-Vazquez was raising cash for a campaign. During the second quarter of the year, she raised more than $11,000 for her campaign. She ended the quarter with $19,000 cash on hand, according to Federal Elections Commission records.
About the 2026 race
The 1st District, which stretches along the state’s southeastern coastline and covers much of the Lowcountry, including portions of Charleston, Berkeley and Beaufort counties, has leaned more Republican in recent cycles. In 2024, U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace defeated Democratic challenger Michael B. Moore with 58.2% of the vote.
Mace’s entry into the governor’s race leaves an open seat in the district. Official candidate filing with the South Carolina Election Commission does not open until March 2026, but early declarations are shaping what could be a crowded race.
Republican candidates for the 2026 race include Charleston’s Jack Ellison, Mark Smith of Daniel Island, and retired Air Force Lt. Col. Alex Pelbath.
On the Democratic side, Robert Lee Beers III of Bonneau, William “Mac” Deford of Mount Pleasant and Max Diaz of Hanahan are in the ring with Rivera-Vazquez.
