top of page
Untitled design (1).png

Meet Mac Deford

Mac has always been driven by a deep-rooted commitment to helping other people. Following his high school graduation, while most of his friends prepared for college, Mac made the bold decision to forgo his college acceptances, and instead enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard on active duty.

 

Mac’s initial assignment took him to Baltimore, Maryland, where he served as a Coast Guard Police Officer, diligently ensuring safety and security at a large Coast Guard installation. At the young age of 19, his superiors had such confidence and trust in Mac that he was appointed as a Watch Commander for the base police department. Two years later, Mac was transferred to Coast Guard Station Charleston, taking on the role of a Maritime Law Enforcement Specialist and Boarding Officer. In this capacity, Mac trained fellow Coast Guard members in maritime law enforcement techniques and weapons safety, and contributed to local emergency readiness. He also conducted boardings on container ships and safeguarded critical marine infrastructure, fulfilling the service’s national security and antiterrorism duties. As a certified crew member, Mac participated in numerous search and rescue operations, saving both distressed vessels and individuals at sea, which he is most proud of.

 

Although the Coast Guard provided Mac with ample opportunities to serve others, he felt a strong yearning to further his education. Following an honorable discharge, he utilized the GI Bill to attend The Citadel and the Charleston School of Law.

 

Mac’s professional journey led him to work for a publicly traded software company on Daniel Island, which focuses on empowering social good initiatives. Eventually, he returned to public service as the Associate General Counsel for the Town of Mount Pleasant and later as the General Counsel for the Town of Hilton Head Island, where he most recently worked. In these positions, Mac tirelessly endeavored to enhance the lives of Lowcountry residents and make their communities better places to live and work. In his role as a local government attorney, Mac has consistently demonstrated a civil and collaborative approach to accomplishing big projects. He has effectively engaged in the development and implementation of key policies, including environmental protection, affordable housing, and infrastructure investments. By working closely with elected and appointed officials from a range of backgrounds, Mac has fostered a cooperative atmosphere that has driven progress for the greater good.

 

Mac lives in Mount Pleasant with his lovely wife, Caroline, and their two yellow labs, Duke and Beau.

Mac Deford
Mac Deford with people

Why I'm Running

Unfortunately, our current representative in U.S. Congress, Nancy Mace, seems to lack authentic commitment to the Lowcountry. Her focus appears to be more on her personal objectives rather than addressing the concerns of her constituents. The disparity between her speeches on the Capitol steps and her voting record on the House floor has left many feeling disregarded and unrepresented. The Lowcountry deserves real leadership.

 

In Congress, Mac will prioritize the needs of the people as he has done throughout his life both in uniform and as a civilian. He will champion practical solutions that bring us together, enhance the security of our communities, and ensure a brighter future for our children. Here are several issues that Mac will tackle:

 

  • Equal access to quality education is a moral and national obligation we must meet. Mac is dedicated to increasing teacher pay, getting politics out of the classroom, expanding access to broadband internet, and ensuring proper public school funding. South Carolina ranks near the bottom of the list when it comes to education, leaving our children among the least competitive in a modern, complex society. It is time for Congress to step up to the plate and help our children succeed.
     

  • Every human being should have affordable access to quality healthcare. The Lowcountry is home to some of the most prestigious medical institutions in the Southeastern United States, yet many of our citizens lack access to basic healthcare services. Ensuring healthcare for all is not only a moral obligation, but it also fortifies a stronger country by promoting a healthier, more productive population, reducing the economic burden of preventable illness, and fostering social equality in healthcare access and outcomes. Mac will actively advocate for equal access to healthcare that expands coverage, addresses disparities in care, and invests in public health initiatives, thus bridging the gap between the Lowcountry’s esteemed medical institutions and the citizens in need of essential healthcare services.
     

  • You should be able to live where you work. Mac will fight for legislation that promotes the development of attainable housing, including the facilitation of public-private partnerships. He will advocate for programs that cultivate collaboration between governments and the private sector, leading to innovative, economically viable, sustainable, and safe housing options for individuals and families seeking to reside in the communities in which they work.
     

  • Women should have control over their own bodies. We should be standing up to big government interventions that are putting politicians between women and their physicians. Steadfast opposition to extreme abortion bans and severe criminal penalties, including the death sentence for abortions, is essential in preserving female reproductive rights and personal agency. Mac will fight to prevent these government overreaches by advocating for policies that protect and uphold women’s reproductive rights.
     

  • Everyone should feel safe in their communities. It is time for Congress to act to implement common sense gun reform legislation, such as universal background checks and closing the Charleston loophole. As a former law enforcement officer, Mac is committed to strengthening support for law enforcement by advocating for enhanced training programs, improved community engagement initiatives, and equipping police officers with the necessary resources and skills to maintain public safety while fostering trust and positive relationships with the communities they serve.

 

  • We must devote ourselves to preserving our environment and battling climate change. Mac will champion extensive environmental policies and forward-thinking strategies that tackle the complex dimensions of climate change, such as minimizing greenhouse gas emissions, encouraging the adoption of renewable energy, allocating resources to climate-resilient infrastructure, and safeguarding our natural ecosystems for a sustainable future.
     

  • The right to vote shall not be infringed. As your representative, Mac will be firmly committed to safeguarding voting rights for all citizens by advocating for legislation that eliminates barriers to voting, ensures equal access to the ballot box, and combats voter suppression and discrimination. In doing so, Mac will support initiatives that modernize and streamline the voting process, such as expanding early voting and vote-by-mail options, ensuring that every citizen can participate in our democracy conveniently and securely, further reinforcing the fundamental right to vote.
     

  • The era of choosing leaders who foster bipartisanship and civility in government must begin now. The reality TV-style of politics today is unsustainable and does not promote the well-being of our nation. Ultimately, we all share the same environment and desire a better future for the generations to come. Mac is dedicated to reviving a sense of bipartisanship and respectful discourse in the political arena.

Mac Deford for Congress

Paid for by Deford for Congress

Mac Deford is a former member of the United States Coast Guard. Use of his military rank, job titles, and photographs in uniform does not imply endorsement by the Coast Guard, Department of Homeland Security or any of its agencies.

Privacy Policy

PO BOX 2573
Mount Pleasant, SC 29465

Mac Deford
Mac Deford with people

Join the Team Today

Sign up today to receive campaign updates!

Thanks for submitting!

Meet Mac Deford

Mac has always been driven by a deep-rooted commitment to helping other people. Following his high school graduation, while most of his friends prepared for college, Mac made the bold decision to forgo his college acceptances, and instead enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard on active duty.

 

Mac’s initial assignment took him to Baltimore, Maryland, where he served as a Coast Guard Police Officer, diligently ensuring safety and security at a large Coast Guard installation. At the young age of 19, his superiors had such confidence and trust in Mac that he was appointed as a Watch Commander for the base police department. Two years later, Mac was transferred to Coast Guard Station Charleston, taking on the role of a Maritime Law Enforcement Specialist and Boarding Officer. In this capacity, Mac trained fellow Coast Guard members in maritime law enforcement techniques and weapons safety, and contributed to local emergency readiness. He also conducted boardings on container ships and safeguarded critical marine infrastructure, fulfilling the service’s national security and antiterrorism duties. As a certified crew member, Mac participated in numerous search and rescue operations, saving both distressed vessels and individuals at sea, which he is most proud of.

 

Although the Coast Guard provided Mac with ample opportunities to serve others, he felt a strong yearning to further his education. Following an honorable discharge, he utilized the GI Bill to attend The Citadel and the Charleston School of Law.

 

Mac’s professional journey led him to work for a publicly traded software company on Daniel Island, which focuses on empowering social good initiatives. Eventually, he returned to public service as the Associate General Counsel for the Town of Mount Pleasant and later as the General Counsel for the Town of Hilton Head Island, where he most recently worked. In these positions, Mac tirelessly endeavored to enhance the lives of Lowcountry residents and make their communities better places to live and work. In his role as a local government attorney, Mac has consistently demonstrated a civil and collaborative approach to accomplishing big projects. He has effectively engaged in the development and implementation of key policies, including environmental protection, affordable housing, and infrastructure investments. By working closely with elected and appointed officials from a range of backgrounds, Mac has fostered a cooperative atmosphere that has driven progress for the greater good.

 

Mac lives in Mount Pleasant with his lovely wife, Caroline, and their two yellow labs, Duke and Beau.

Contact Us

General Inquiries

Info@DefordForCongress.com

Join the Team Today

Sign up today to receive campaign updates!

bottom of page