78th Secretary of the United States Navy and Marine Corps Endorses RADM Nancy Lacore for Congress in SC-01
Press Release | april 28, 2026CONTACT:Kaylie Haberstroh | kaylie@nancylacore.com
Mount Pleasant, SC — Today, Rear Admiral Nancy Lacore announced the endorsement of the 78th Secretary of the United States Navy and Marine Corps, Carlos Del Toro, in her campaign for Congress in South Carolina’s First District.
Del Toro, who led the Department of the Navy from 2021 to 2025, cited Lacore’s career of service and leadership as key reasons for his support.
“Nancy Lacore is the embodiment of someone who selflessly puts her country first both in and out of uniform,” said Del Toro. “Washington sorely lacks individuals with moral clarity, a sense of duty, and a commitment to true service. Nancy will bring all of that and more with her to Congress, and I'm proud to endorse her campaign. I know she can be trusted to find the right solution, not the politically convenient one, and she'll be a fierce advocate for everyone she serves."
Lacore launched her campaign earlier this year, and earlier this month announced raising over $1 million in less than one quarter. She served for 35 years in the U.S. Navy, where she rose to lead more than 60,000 sailors as Chief of Navy Reserve. Her campaign has quickly built momentum across the Lowcountry, fueled by strong grassroots support and a growing coalition of local leaders.
“Secretary Del Toro’s support means a great deal to me,” said Lacore. “He knows what it means to lead in service of something bigger than yourself. In Congress, I’ll stay focused on doing what’s right for the people I serve—no matter the politics—and delivering real results for the Lowcountry.”
Del Toro’s endorsement adds to a growing list of national and local leaders backing Lacore’s campaign as momentum continues to build in the race to flip South Carolina’s First Congressional District. Earlier this month, three-term Republican Mount Pleasant Mayor Will Haynie crossed party lines to support Lacore, and she has been endorsed by national organizations including The Bench, EMILYs List, and VoteVets.
About Nancy Lacore
Nancy Lacore served our nation for 35 years in the Navy, a career that began as a helicopter pilot and culminated as a three-star admiral and the Chief of Navy Reserve where she was entrusted to lead more than 60,000 sailors. Shortly after completing flight school, Nancy met and married her husband Pat, also a Navy helicopter pilot who served for 29 years, and together they raised six children. Nancy’s military service ended abruptly in the summer of 2025 — when Pete Hegseth removed her from her position with no explanation — but she is not done serving our country. In this next chapter, Nancy is ready to put her experience, her values, and her voice to work for SC-01 in Congress.
Visit Nancy’s website at nancylacore.com.
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