Upstate Democrats Pin Hopes on Rebuild Amidst Growing Support
In the charming city of Conestee Park, barbecue smoke wafted in the air as burgers sizzled on the grill. Music from a live band and a DJ alternated melodic rounds, setting a lively mood for attendees as they mingled. This wasn’t just any backyard get together, but the Greenville County Democratic Party candidate cookout, a strategic assembly designed to refoster the spirit of the Democratic Party in areas where Republicans typically reign supreme. Amidst an atmosphere of optimism and gaiety, potential candidates for the upcoming November elections introduced themselves to party activists, small-dollar donors, and volunteers.
Candidates aren’t expecting outright victory in the upcoming elections, but a narrowing of the political margins would indicate that their path towards rebuilding the party in the Upstate is on the right track.
An Upward Trend in Support and Fundraising: A Beacon of Hope
Signs of a rekindled Democratic spirit have been apparent in the recent political landscape with an increase in both support and funding compared to previous election cycles. In the 2019-20 and 2021-22 terms, Spartanburg County Democratic Party raised $30,000 and $36,000 respectively. This figure nearly tripled to $90,000 as of the 2023-24 cycle. Similarly, funds raised by Greenville County Democratic Party went from $116,000 in the 2019-20 term and $118,000 in the 2021-22, to more than $185,000 so far in the 2024-24 term.
And it’s not just about the funds. Population dynamics in Greenville and Spartanburg Counties display promising trends for the Democrats. The median ages of both counties, standing at 37.9 years and 38.5 years respectively, are significantly lower than the state median. And with a higher percentage of Hispanic residents and individuals with bachelor’s degrees than the state average, these statistically younger, diverse, and educated demographics act as a beacon of hope for Democrats in these two counties.
Quality Candidates and Long-Term Reinforcement: The Key to Success
Amanda McDougald Scott, Greenville County Democratic Chairwoman, recognises this need for quality candidates, asserting the importance of presenting electors with a candidate that they can fully stand behind, one whom they can trust to be the face of their party. “We’re very clear with donors… if we don’t have a good quality candidate that people can believe in, and then reinvest in this same district in the next two, four, six eight years, then we’re never gonna get there,” Scott said.
With Republicans consistently performing well throughout the Upstate’s history, Democrats know they face an uphill battle to win voter loyalty. Yet, with the right investment and long-term perspective, the Democrats believe they might just have a fighting chance. As Kathryn Harvey, the Spartanburg County Democratic chairwoman, puts it, “The growth has to be gradual, and it will be very gradual, and that’s why you shouldn’t give up just because they’re having a loss.”.
Taylor Culliver’s longshot race against state Sen. Ross Turner in Senate District 8 exemplifies the Democrats’ audacity. Turner has enjoyed unopposed reign for the last three general elections, but the Democrats, and particularly Culliver, aren’t fussed. They’re looking beyond the immediate future, anticipating changes in the region’s voting patterns due to demographic shifts and evolving political sentiments.
A Long-Term Plan
It takes dedication, persistence, patience and strong leadership to change the political tide – a fact party activists are fully aware of. The hope, for both candidates and donors, lies not in immediate victories but in progressive, inch-by-inch advancements over multiple election cycles. Harvey, for one, is looking at a minimum of a 10-year plan of building consistent, competitive races.
“This is not ever going to be seasonal, ever again,” says Harvey. “Like it has to be a constant, and it has to have focused leadership.” To see such commitment, activists need to see tangible results from the funds they donate. For successful long-term rebuilding, each donated dollar must show value.
In conclusion, the Democratic Party in South Carolina’s Upstate has a long road ahead, one that will demand hard work, persistence, and a never-give-up spirit from its supporters. But with its recent uptick in fundraising, unwavering faith in their quality candidates, and supporters’ commitment to the long-term fight, the Democrats are displaying an undeniable resurgence. Only time will tell if their strategy will yield the desired results.
