Bluffton, September 8, 2025
News Summary
Mayra Rivera-Vazquez, a Democratic organizer from Bluffton, announces her candidacy for South Carolina’s 1st Congressional District, aiming to be the first Latina elected to represent the area. With a focus on affordable housing, education, healthcare, and environmental protection, she emphasizes community-driven initiatives. Rivera-Vazquez has raised over $11,000 for her campaign and plans to engage voters in both English and Spanish. The current political landscape presents an opportunity for competition due to the open seat following Nancy Mace’s pursuit of the governorship.
Bluffton, South Carolina – Mayra Rivera-Vazquez, a Democratic Party organizer and longtime resident of Bluffton, has officially announced her candidacy for South Carolina’s 1st Congressional District. If successful in her campaign, she would make history as the first Latina elected to represent the district.
At 63 years old, Rivera-Vazquez offers a significant breadth of personal and professional experience. A mother, grandmother, and veteran’s wife, she relocated to Bluffton nearly 14 years ago from Puerto Rico. Rivera-Vazquez describes her home in Bluffton as the foundation for a grassroots movement directed towards change in the community.
Her campaign focuses on issues vital to working families, including affordable housing, accessible education, quality healthcare, and local business support. Rivera-Vazquez frames her campaign as a collective grassroots effort rather than a solitary run, emphasizing that the movement is driven by community aspirations for betterment.
Environmental protection and sustainable growth are also significant aspects of her platform in addressing the unique needs of the Lowcountry region. On immigration, Rivera-Vazquez advocates for strong borders yet insists on the necessity for smart, compassionate policies, recognizing the vital contributions immigrants have made to the nation.
With a background in legal, economic, and infrastructure matters, Rivera-Vazquez has held multiple leadership roles within the Democratic Party, including chair of the Beaufort County Democratic Party. She recently served as the 2nd vice chair of the South Carolina Democratic Party, a position she stepped down from to dedicate her efforts toward her congressional campaign.
In preparation for her campaign, Rivera-Vazquez has already raised over $11,000 in contributions for the second quarter of the year, with $19,000 in cash available according to records from the Federal Elections Commission. Acknowledging the district’s diverse demographic, she plans to engage with voters in both English and Spanish, ensuring her message resonates with a broad audience.
South Carolina’s 1st Congressional District has historically leaned Republican, with the current U.S. Representative, Nancy Mace, securing 58.2% of the vote against her Democratic challenger in the 2024 elections. However, with Mace pursuing a run for governor, the open seat presents a competitive landscape for the upcoming race.
Official candidate filing begins in March 2026, yet early declarations are already indicating a crowded field. Rivera-Vazquez joins other declared Democratic candidates, including Robert Lee Beers III, William “Mac” Deford, and Max Diaz. On the Republican side, potential candidates include Jack Ellison, Mark Smith, and Alex Pelbath as they prepare for the 2026 race.
Key Features of Mayra Rivera-Vazquez’s Campaign
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Candidate | Mayra Rivera-Vazquez |
| Age | 63 |
| Campaign Platform | Working families, affordable housing, education, healthcare, local business support, environmental protection |
| Fundraising | $11,000 raised in Q2 with $19,000 cash on hand |
| Demographic Engagement | Campaigning in English and Spanish |
| Current Political Landscape | Open seat due to Nancy Mace running for governor |
FAQ
- Who is Mayra Rivera-Vazquez?
Mayra Rivera-Vazquez is a Democratic candidate running for South Carolina’s 1st Congressional District, aiming to be the first Latina elected to represent the district. - What are her main campaign issues?
Rivera-Vazquez’s campaign focuses on issues concerning working families, including affordable housing, education, healthcare, and local business support, along with environmental protections. - How much has she raised for her campaign?
As of the second quarter of the year, Rivera-Vazquez raised over $11,000 with $19,000 cash on hand. - What is the current political landscape of the district?
The 1st Congressional District of South Carolina has historically leaned Republican, but an open seat due to Nancy Mace’s run for governor may create a competitive race. - When does official candidate filing begin?
Official candidate filing for the congressional seat begins in March 2026.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- Post and Courier
- Wikipedia: South Carolina’s 1st congressional district
- Bluffton Today
- Google Search: Mayra Rivera-Vazquez
- Island Packet
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Democratic Party (United States)
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.
