Mike Johnson brings 300 supporters to South Carolina 1st District race

House Speaker Mike Johnson of Louisiana addressed a crowd of approximately 300 people in Goose Creek on Saturday. The visit marked the final major Republican endorsement event before Election Day in South Carolina’s competitive 1st Congressional District. Johnson spoke inside American Legion Post 166, where he framed the upcoming Congress as a contest for the survival of the republic rather than a debate over tax policy.

The race pits Jenny Honeycutt, a Charleston County councilwoman, against Nancy Lacore, a former rear admiral in the Navy. Both candidates are vying to replace Nancy Mace, who held the seat until her move to the Senate. The district was redistricted by state legislators in 2022 to favor Republicans, a change that previously made it one of the most Republican-leaning seats in the state. President Donald Trump carried the area by 13 points in the 2024 election.

Despite that historical margin, recent polling suggests the contest is now a toss up. This shift has prompted national Republican leaders to organize a unification tour in the state. The effort aims to heal party divisions following a contentious special Senate primary and runoff in August, which resulted in the victory of Sen. Darline Graham. Johnson joined other high-ranking officials in making the trip to signal party support and morale.

Johnson argued that the new Congress would face existential questions about American foundations. He told the audience, “We’re going to be arguing about whether or not we’re going to keep the republic, the foundations of America, or break it down and go down this Marxist utopian road to death.” He also stated that the party had chosen a strong candidate, adding, “We could not have chosen a better candidate for this race.”

Honeycutt told reporters she anticipated a difficult campaign. “We knew this was going to be a tough fight, but what I would say is the Lowcountry knows who the best leader is to lead the Lowcountry,” she said. She emphasized her familiarity with the region’s history and future direction. Her campaign has focused on local knowledge as a key differentiator.

Across the Cooper River, Lacore held a joint event with Senate Democratic nominee Dr. Annie Andrews. Andrews ran unsuccessfully against Mace for the 1st District seat in 2022. Lacore used the platform to criticize her Republican opponent’s predecessor, stating, “I think you’re all here for probably two reasons: One, because, you know South Carolina, one, needs a Nancy upgrade.” She also referenced the recent Senate race, adding that the state does not need another Graham.

Lacore responded directly to Johnson’s comments on socialism and democracy. “I spent 35 years in uniform. I feel very strongly about our democracy. I believe in capitalism. I’m not a socialist,” she said. She characterized the Republican spending and travel as a sign that the party recognizes the strength of her voter coalition. The joint appearances represent a coordinated strategy for Democrats to mobilize support in the final days before voting.