Midterms 2026: former admiral Nancy Lacore, a victim of the Trump administration purges at the Pentagon, unexpectedly elected in South Carolina

Nancy Lacore, a three-star admiral and former victim of a military purge, won a tight race for the U.S. House of Representatives in South Carolina. Her victory, confirmed after a lengthy vote count, marks a significant comeback in a traditionally Republican district. Lacore secured 49.7% of the votes, defeating Republican Jenny Honeycutt by a narrow margin. This win is seen as a personal triumph for Lacore, who has expressed her commitment to continue fighting for various causes. She previously served in the Navy and was ousted during a purge led by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in 2025.