The Republican tilt of South Carolina’s 1st Congressional District, reinforced by 2022 redistricting and consistent GOP performance in recent cycles, underpins trader consensus favoring Jenny Costa Honeycutt. As an open seat after Rep. Nancy Mace pursued the governorship, Honeycutt secured the nomination in the June runoff and benefits from established local ties as a Charleston County councilwoman plus outside GOP spending. Nancy Lacore, the Democratic nominee and retired Navy vice admiral who recently relocated to the area, brings federal experience but faces structural headwinds in a district rated Likely Republican by major forecasters. The candidates’ first general-election debate in early October highlighted contrasts on immigration, affordability, and local knowledge without producing evident momentum shifts.