Beaufort County councilman Cunningham announces entry into race for Mace’s seat
Beaufort County Councilman Logan Cunningham is running to represent South Carolina’s coastal First Congressional District. Cunningham, who has served on the local council representing the communities along Bluffton and Buckwalter Parkways since 2021, announced his campaign on social media, with plans of an in-person announcement later in the week.
If elected, Cunningham would replace Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., who is one of five Republicans running for governor in 2026. Cunningham joins a list of several Republicans hoping to secure the open seat on the House floor, including State Rep. Mark Smith from Daniel Island. Several local Democrats, including Mac Deford and Mayra Rivera-Vazquez, are also running.
“I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again,” Cunningham posted to social media on Sunday, “this isn’t just a campaign, it’s a movement.”
“Campaigns fade when the election ends,” he wrote. “Movements ignite change that lasts for generations. We’re not here to play politics. We’re here to fight for the people, the Lowcountry and the future of America. Know the difference, and be part of the movement.”
Based on recent posts on social media, some of Cunningham’s priorities early in his campaign are to protect the South Carolina coastline, stand up for working families, defend small businesses and to make sure the district’s voices are heard “loud and clear” in Washington.
Cunningham’s background
Cunningham has lived in the Lowcountry for nearly 20 years, according to his Beaufort County bio. He graduated from Hilton Head Christian Academy and the University of South Carolina Beaufort, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. It was in college that Cunningham’s interest in politics was “reignited” by Trump’s candidacy.
He is a former fifth-grade teacher at Hilton Head Island School for the Creative Arts and manager at Station 300 bowling alley and restaurant, according to previous reporting from the Island Packet.
In 2019, Cunningham withdrew his bid for the same congressional seat to run for Beaufort County Council. At the time, Cunningham said he would have a more immediate impact on his community as opposed to the entire district.
In four years on council, Cunningham has said he prioritizes responsible growth and development and increasing public engagement by building trust.
In his most recent campaign for reelection, the councilman highlighted his efforts to secure more recreational ball fields in Bluffton and to establish affordable workforce housing, saying that everyone who works in the community should be able to live in it. He received over 67% of the votes, securing a second term on council that expires in December 2028.
Cunningham will officially announce his campaign to the public on Wednesday at 5 p.m. at the Okatie Ale House in Bluffton.
This story was originally published November 10, 2025 at 1:49 PM.
