Charleston SC, September 4, 2025
News Summary
Mayra Rivera-Vázquez, a Puerto Rican native and former chair of the Beaufort County Democratic Party, has announced her candidacy for Congress in South Carolina’s First District. As the first Latina to run for this seat, she aims to address issues affecting underrepresented communities. Rivera-Vázquez criticizes current Republican policies, advocating for balanced immigration policies and a focus on equitable representation. Her campaign will engage voters in both English and Spanish, presenting a moderate approach to key issues.
Mayra Rivera-Vázquez Announces Historic Congressional Run in South Carolina’s First District
CHARLESTON, SC – Mayra Rivera-Vázquez, a Puerto Rican native and former chair of the Beaufort County Democratic Party, has officially announced her candidacy for Congress in South Carolina’s First District. Her announcement came on September 3, 2025, marking her as the first Latina to seek this congressional seat.
At the age of 63, Rivera-Vázquez is entering politics for the first time, expressing her desire to connect with underrepresented communities in the district. She plans to conduct her campaign in both English and Spanish and has a strong commitment to tackling issues that matter to her constituents.
In her campaign, Rivera-Vázquez has made it clear that she believes current Republican policies do not match her vision of the American dream. She criticized the GOP’s emphasis on tax cuts for the wealthy and strict immigration policies. If elected, she aims to advocate for “strong borders and smart policy” regarding immigration, indicating her moderate approach to such issues.
The congressional seat is currently held by U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace, a Republican who has announced she will not seek re-election, as she is running for governor. This shift presents an opportunity for Rivera-Vázquez and other Democratic candidates, such as attorney Mac Deford, who is also vying for the position.
Analysts have highlighted that South Carolina’s First District leans Republican, with a 6-point advantage for GOP candidates. The district includes Beaufort and Berkeley counties, areas that have traditionally shown support for Republican candidates. Rivera-Vázquez’s campaign will confront this political landscape, emphasizing her commitment to serving the community and challenging political figures she believes perpetuate chaos and corruption.
Rivera-Vázquez previously served as the second vice chair of the South Carolina Democratic Party, a position she resigned from to focus entirely on her congressional campaign. She has lived in the First District for over a decade and believes that there is currently no representative in Washington fighting for the interests of her district.
The launch of Rivera-Vázquez’s campaign video highlights her dedication to public service and her vision for the future of the First District. With a growing interest in her candidacy, she aims to rally support from voters who are seeking change in their representation in Congress.
Key Points of Rivera-Vázquez’s Campaign
- First Latina candidate for South Carolina’s First District congressional seat
- Criticism of current Republican policies, including tax cuts for the wealthy
- Plans to engage in campaign activities in both English and Spanish
- Advocates for balanced immigration policies
- Seeks to represent underrepresented communities
About the District
South Carolina’s First District encompasses a diverse range of communities, including Beaufort and Berkeley counties. Historically, the district has leaned towards Republican candidates but is open to competition, particularly with the incumbent choosing to pursue a different office. Rivera-Vázquez seeks to capitalize on this opportunity by presenting a compelling alternative to the Republican agenda.
Other Candidates
In addition to Rivera-Vázquez, Mac Deford, a 36-year-old attorney, is also campaigning for the Democratic nomination. The presence of multiple candidates in the Democratic primary could influence the dynamics of the election as party members rally behind their preferred candidates.
Conclusion
As Mayra Rivera-Vázquez embarks on her congressional campaign, her status as a historic candidate and her commitment to addressing issues facing her community could resonate with voters looking for change in South Carolina’s First District. The upcoming election will test the political landscape as both parties strive to connect with residents during this pivotal time.
FAQ
What is Mayra Rivera-Vázquez running for?
Mayra Rivera-Vázquez is running for Congress in South Carolina’s First District.
What makes Rivera-Vázquez’s candidacy historic?
She is the first Latina to run for the congressional seat in South Carolina’s First District.
What issues does Rivera-Vázquez focus on in her campaign?
She emphasizes her opposition to current Republican policies, particularly regarding tax cuts for the wealthy and harsh immigration policies.
Who is the incumbent for the First District seat?
The current incumbent is U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace, who is not seeking re-election because she is running for governor.
Are there other candidates in the Democratic primary?
Yes, Mac Deford, a 36-year-old attorney, is also running for the Democratic nomination.
Key Features of the Campaign
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Candidacy | Mayra Rivera-Vázquez running for Congress |
| Historical Significance | First Latina candidate for the First District |
| Campaign Language | English and Spanish |
| Focus Issues | Tax cuts, immigration policy, underrepresentation |
| Incumbent | Nancy Mace not seeking re-election |
| Other Candidates | Mac Deford – attorney |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Post and Courier
- Wikipedia: Mayra Rivera-Vázquez
- WSAV News
- Google Search: Mayra Rivera-Vázquez Congress South Carolina
- Your Island News
- Google Scholar: Mayra Rivera-Vázquez
- Island Packet
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Congress
- Island Packet Local News
- Google News: South Carolina politics
Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT
The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
