2020 Presidential Campaign Blog

Beto O’Rourke To Visit South Carolina on June 14-16, 2019 **Updated

Beto O’Rourke To Make Third Visit To South Carolina This Weekend **Updated
Beto Has Held 15 Events In South Carolina Since Launching His Campaign In March

COLUMBIA, SC - Ahead of the June 15th Black Economic Alliance Presidential Candidate Forum in Charleston, Beto O’Rourke will make his third trip to South Carolina since announcing his candidacy for president in March. During his three-day visit, Beto will host a roundtable with citizens of the Gullah Geechee Nation, a criminal justice roundtable in North Charleston, town halls in Sumter and Greenville, and attend church in Spartanburg.

Beto has made South Carolina a top priority in his bid for the White House.

In May, Beto For America announced one of the largest South Carolina-based staffs of any 2020 presidential campaign - led by Lauren Harper, former advisor to Columbia Mayor Steve Benjamin, and Tyler Jones, chief strategist for Joe Cunningham’s 2018 upset victory in South Carolina’s First Congressional District.

Beto has already held 15 events in Rock Hill, Columbia, Orangeburg, Charleston, Clemson, Denmark, Beaufort and other communities across the state, including the campuses of the University of South Carolina, Voorhees College, South Carolina State University, and Clemson University.

FRIDAY, JUNE 14

3:45PM ET
*Roundtable with Citizens of Gullah Geechee Nation
Tabernacle Baptist Church, 907 Craven Street, Beaufort

*Event not open to general public

SATURDAY, JUNE 15

8:45AM ET
SEIU Fight For 15 Strike
624 Orleans Rd, Charleston, SC

*Beto will deliver coffee to striking workers

9:35AM ET
Criminal Justice Town Hall
Park Circle Creamery at 1044 E Montague Ave, North Charleston

*Event not open to general public

1:00PM ET
Beto On-Stage At Black Economic Alliance Forum
Charleston Music Hall, 37 John St, Charleston

4:30PM ET
Sumter Town Hall
Sidewalk Cafe, 154 S Main St, Sumter

Doors Open: 3:30PM ET

6:45PM ET
Columbia Meet & Greet
Hunter-Gatherer Brewery, 1402 Jim Hamilton Blvd, Columbia

Doors Open: 5:45PM ET

SUNDAY, JUNE 16

9:45AM ET
Donuts with State Senator Glenn Reese
Krispy Kreme, 354 N Church St, Spartanburg, SC

10:45AM ET
Church Service
Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church, 502 S Daniel Morgan Ave, Spartanburg

1:10PM ET
Drop By Greenville Coffee Shop
Methodical Coffee, 101 N. Main Street, Greenville

2:00PM ET
Greenville Town Hall
Upstate Circle of Friends, 29 Ridgeway Dr, Greenville, 29605

Doors Open: 1:00PM

 

Joe Biden Picks Up More South Carolina Endorsements as Jill Biden Campaigns in the State

Joe Biden Picks Up More South Carolina Endorsements as Jill Biden Campaigns in the State

Today, Vice President Joe Biden received the endorsements of 11 local elected officials and community leaders as Jill Biden makes her first solo campaign trip to the state.

“We are proud to have earned the support of so many of South Carolina’s local and statewide leaders but we won’t stop there,” said Kendall Corley, South Carolina State Director, Biden for President. “As the Vice President continues to say to our community, no one is going to work harder for their support than Joe Biden.”

Today’s new endorsements include:
• Inez Tenenbaum, Former State Superintendent of Education and Obama-Biden Administration Chairman of the Consumer Product Safety Commission
• Councilman Steve Love, City of York
• Councilman Anthony Woods, Marlboro County
• Michael Coachman, Marlboro School Board
• Mildred Douglas, Rock Hill School Board
• Mayor Doug Echols, former Mayor of Rock Hill
• Councilwoman Pat Gibson-Hye Moore, City of Florence
• Councilman Al Bradley, Florence County
• Councilman Mike Vaughn, Chester County
• Reid Carrico, First Vice Chair of the Chester County Democratic Party
“As South Carolina’s former Superintendent of Education, I’m endorsing Joe Biden because of his long standing support for public education,” said Inez Tenenbaum. “Particularly because Jill Biden is a longtime educator who I know will be a tireless advocate for teachers in the White House.”

As schools across the country experience slashed budgets, growing class sizes, and fewer resources for students, Jill Biden will meet with educators to learn about the challenges they face and to further understand how we can better support education in America.

Jill Biden’s trip today includes a lunch and listening session at Taylor’s Soul Food and Kitchen in Rock Hill and a stop by Wallace Elementary Middle School to attend a community meeting with teachers, parents, and community stakeholders.

Kamala Harris to Campaign in Alabama and South Carolina This Week *Updated

Kamala Harris to Campaign in Alabama and South Carolina This Week *Updated
First Campaign Trip to Alabama Will Focus On Outreach to Women and African Americans

Senator Kamala Harris will campaign in Alabama and South Carolina later this week. In her first campaign swing through Alabama, she will focus on engaging women and African Americans in Birmingham and Montgomery. On Friday evening, she will hold a women’s meet and greet in the Birmingham area, where she will decry the recent Alabama law to effectively ban abortion in the state and criminalize doctors. On Saturday, she will be the keynote speaker at the Alabama Democratic Conference Kennedy-Johnson-King Luncheon. The Alabama Democratic Conference is the state’s largest African American political organization. Alabama will award 52 delegates in the Democratic presidential primary.

On Saturday evening, she will travel to Columbia, South Carolina, for the South Carolina NAACP’s 2019 Freedom Fund Celebration.

Friday, June 7
Women’s Meet and Greet
Where: Hilton Birmingham at UAB, 808 20th St S, Birmingham, AL 35205
When: 7:00 PM CT

Saturday, June 8
Keynote Speech at Alabama Democratic Conference Luncheon
Where: Room TBA, Renaissance Hotel, 201 Tallapoosa Street, Montgomery, AL
When: 12:30 PM CT

SC NAACP Freedom Fund Celebration
Where: Brookland Baptist Banquet & Conference Center, 1066 Sunset Blvd, West Columbia, SC
When: 6:00 PM ET

 

South Carolina Orangeburg County Councilman Willie B. Owens Announces Bill de Blasio for President Endorsement

SOUTH CAROLINA COUNCILMAN ANNOUNCES DE BLASIO ENDORSEMENT

Orangeburg County Councilman Willie B. Owens announced that he is endorsing Mayor de Blasio for President of the United States today. Located in South Carolina, Orangeburg County is home to the second largest population of African-American voters in the Palmetto State.

“After hearing Mayor de Blasio speak twice about what he has done for working families in NYC and what he can do for all us as President, I have decided to put all of my support behind him. We need a proven leader who will put people first in the White House, and Mayor de Blasio is that leader,” said Councilman Willie B. Owens.

“I’m so grateful for Councilman Owens supports. He is a fighter for South Carolinians, and I’m excited to work with him to put working people first in this country,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio.

Orangeburg, South Carolina Mayor Michael Butler Announces Bill de Blasio for President Endorsement

ORANGEBURG MAYOR MICHAEL BUTLER ANNOUNCES DE BLASIO ENDORSEMENT

Orangeburg, South Carolina Mayor Michael Butler announced that he is endorsing Mayor de Blasio for President of the United States today at the Orangeburg County Democratic Party Meeting.  Butler is the first African-American Mayor of Orangeburg. The town is the county seat of Orangeburg County, which is home to the second largest population of African-American voters in the Palmetto State. 

“There are many strong candidates running for the Democratic nomination. But with all he has accomplished for working families in New York City, I believe Mayor de Blasio is the best candidate to make our federal government work for the people again,” said Mayor Michael Butler.  

“Mayor Butler has dedicated his entire career to uplifting South Carolinians. I’m so grateful for his support and friendship, said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “With an increasingly absent federal government, Mayors are leading the charge to put working people first in this country.” 

Bill de Blasio and First Lady Chirlane McCray Travel to South Carolina on Saturday, June 1, 2019 *Updated

MAYOR DE BLASIO AND FIRST LADY MCCRAY TRAVEL TO SOUTH CAROLINA *UPDATED

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio and First Lady Chirlane McCray will travel to Orangeburg and Columbia, South Carolina this weekend to meet with local Democrats and activists. The Mayor will return to New York City on Saturday evening.

Saturday, June 1st
Updates in Red
Attends Orangeburg County Democratic Party Meeting
WHO: Mayor de Blasio, First Lady McCray, Orangeburg County Democrats
WHEN: Saturday, June 1st, 2019 at approximately 10:45 AM
WHERE: Williams Chapel AME Church, Chapell M. Davis Fellowship Hall, 1198 Glover Street, Orangeburg, SC

Attends OutFest Columbia
WHO: Mayor de Blasio, First Lady McCray
WHEN: Saturday, June 1st 2019 at approximately 3:15 PM
WHERE: Senate Street and Park Street, Columbia, SC

Former Rep. Brenda Lee Pryce, Rep. Rosalyn Henderson-Myers, and Erica Brown Endorse Kamala Harris for President in South Carolina

Kamala Harris Receives Key South Carolina Endorsements As She Campaigns In The Upstate
Former Representative Brenda Lee Pryce, Representative Rosalyn Henderson-Myers, and Councilwoman Erica Brown Endorse Kamala Harris for President

As Senator Kamala Harris returns to South Carolina for her sixth trip as a presidential candidate, she has received the endorsement of three prominent women leaders in the Upstate. Former Representative Brenda Lee Pryce, Representative Rosalyn Henderson-Myers, and Councilwoman Erica Brown announced they are backing Harris, citing her focus on women and families.

Last week Harris released a plan to close the gender pay gap under which the median annual pay for a woman in South Carolina would increase by up to $3,060 per year. After unveiling the plan, she was endorsed by former Democratic nominee for Attorney General Constance Anastopoulo and co-founder of Emerge SC, Susan Riordan.

“As a former SC State Representative, I’m endorsing Kamala Harris for President because she represents the same values that I embraced,” Pryce said. “Her entire agenda is about giving working people a fair shot, from raising teacher pay by 19% for South Carolina teachers to proposing the most significant middle class tax cut in generations. I’m excited to work with her to finally ensure that working families are our nation’s top priority.”

Brenda Lee Pryce served as a member of the S.C. House of Representatives for District 31 from 1995 to 2005. She is a 1966 graduate of Carver High School and attended the University of South Carolina. She was the 1998 recipient of the E. Lewis Miller Award for leadership in Spartanburg and is a fellow soror in Alpha Kappa Alpha, inc.

“As a former prosecutor, former judge, and criminal defense attorney who understands the need for true criminal justice reform, I’m proud to endorse Kamala Harris,” said Henderson-Myers. “As President, she has pledged to end private prisons and push states to prioritize treatment and rehabilitation for drug offenses. I’m excited to join her to keep all our families safe by finally making our criminal justice system fair for everyone.”

Born in Spartanburg, Henderson-Myers currently serves as a member of the S.C. House of Representatives in House District 31. She graduated from the University of South Carolina in 1978 and is a member of the including the South Carolina Black Lawyers Association. Henderson-Myers is also a former state court judge, having presided over family law cases, criminal misdemeanors, juvenile court, civil cases and child welfare cases. She is the immediate past chair of the Women Lawyers Division of the National Bar Association that represented some 30,000 black female lawyers and law professors across the country.

“As she’s campaigned in every corner of this state, Kamala Harris has spoken to the everyday needs of South Carolinians,” said Brown. “I’m proud to endorse her campaign because she’s focused on the needs of women and families, from improving public transportation to ensuring our teachers are finally paid what they need in order to do the best for our children.”

Brown was first elected to the Spartanburg City Council in 2013 and won re-election in 2017. She was formerly a patient resource specialist at St. Luke’s Free Medical Clinic in Spartanburg and attended Wofford College.

“I’m excited to have the support of these women leaders,” Harris said. “Representative Brenda Lee Pryce, Representative Rosalyn Henderson-Myers, and Councilwoman Erica Brown are all pillars in their communities. As I continue to campaign in South Carolina, I look forward to working with them to ensure that the voices of women and families are uplifted and heard.”

Harris has previously been endorsed by I.S. Leevy Johnson, Bakari Sellers, Senator Darrell Jackson, Senator John Scott, Representative JA Moore, Representative Pat Henegen, former gubernatorial candidate Marguerite Willis, former Democratic nominee for Attorney General Constance Anastopoulo, Berkeley County Democratic Chair Melissa Watson, and Emerge South Carolina co-founder Susan Riordan.

Constance Anastopoulo and Susan Riordan Endorse Kamala Harris for President

Constance Anastopoulo and Susan Riordan Endorse Kamala Harris for President Following Announcement of First-Of-Its-Kind Equal Pay Plan

Following yesterday's release of Senator Kamala Harris’ plan to close the gender pay gap, South Carolina women leaders Constance Anastopoulo and Susan Riordan have announced their support for Harris’ presidential campaign.

“I’m proud to endorse Kamala Harris for President,” said Anastopoulo. “She understands the economic and social pressures women face in the workplace and has demonstrated she will be a leader on pay equity as well as on the maternal mortality crisis. Her record as California’s Attorney General proves that she is a fighter for all people and I’m excited to join this movement to lift up working families.”

Anastopoulo was the Democratic nominee for Attorney General after serving for 15 years as a senior litigator at a Charleston-area law firm appearing before the S.C. Court of Appeals, the S.C. Supreme Court, and the U.S. Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals. A Professor of Law at the Charleston School of Law, Anastopoulo is active in the fight for gender equality, serving on the Board of Directors of My Sister’s House, Inc., the Advisory Board of the Women and Gender Studies Program at the College of Charleston, and as Vice President of the Charleston Area League of Women Voters. She formerly served as the President of Daughters of Penelope Philanthropy which operates a shelter for women fleeing domestic abuse.

“As Republicans attempt to strip women of the economic, reproductive, and social gains we have fought for, Kamala Harris has been a champion for equality and progress,” said Riordan. “Her plan to eliminate the pay gap and her commitment to fighting for universal paid family and medical leave make me proud to endorse her campaign to move South Carolina, and our nation, forward.”

Riordan is a co-founder of Emerge South Carolina, the Palmetto State's premier organization that recruits, trains and provides a powerful network to Democratic women seeking office. She currently serves as the Chair of its Development Committee in addition to working with the United Way of Greenville County and Upstate Forever.

“I am proud to have earned the support of Constance Anastopoulo and Susan Riordan, two leaders who have spent their lives advocating for gender equality,” Harris said. “South Carolina women lose $10 billion every year due to pay inequity. That’s not right and it’s why I’ve put forward the most aggressive equal pay proposal in our country’s history to close the pay gap between women and men. I’m excited to work with Constance and Susan to fight discrimination in the workplace as I campaign across South Carolina.”

Harris has previously been endorsed by I.S. Leevy Johnson, Bakari Sellers, Senator Darrell Jackson, Senator John Scott, Representative JA Moore, Representative Pat Henegen, former gubernatorial candidate Marguerite Willis, and Berkeley County Democratic Chair Melissa Watson.

Bernie Sanders to Swing through North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Alabama on May 17-20, 2019 **Updated

Bernie Sanders to Swing through Southern States **Updated

WASHINGTON – Sen. Bernie Sanders will visit Southern states next week, making stops in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Alabama. The trip will underscore the ways in which his policies meet the urgent needs of communities across the South.

Sanders will highlight the need for immediate action to restore voting rights, reform the K-12 education system, address environmental racism and eradicate poverty.

Friday, May 17

12 p.m. Rally with Sen. Bernie Sanders in AshevilleSalvage Station, 466 Riverside Drive, Asheville, NC 28801Information for the public: This event is free and open to the public. Tickets are not required, but an RSVP is encouraged. Entrance is provided on a first come, first served basis. Parking is limited; attendees encouraged to walk, bike, carpool or take a taxi or ride-share. https://act.berniesanders.com/event/bernie-rally-campaign/7194/

5:30 p.m. Rally with Sen. Bernie Sanders in Charlotte
Overcash Center Front Lawn, 1206 Elizabeth Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28204
Information for the public: This event is free and open to the public. Tickets are not required, but an RSVP is encouraged. Entrance is provided on a first come, first served basis. https://act.berniesanders.com/event/bernie-rally-campaign/7192/

Saturday, May 18

10 a.m. Town Hall in Orangeburg with Sen. Bernie Sanders
Life Cathedral Church, 2010 Columbia Rd., Orangeburg, SC 29118
Information for the public: This event is free and open to the public. Tickets are not required, but an RSVP is encouraged. Entrance is provided on a first come, first served basis. https://act.berniesanders.com/event/bernie-town-hall-campaign_attend/7320

2 p.m. Environmental Justice Town Hall with Sen. Bernie Sanders in Denmark
Denmark Technical College, 1126 Soloman Blatt Blvd, Denmark, SC
Information for the public: This event is free and open to the public. Tickets are not required, but an RSVP is encouraged. Entrance is provided on a first come, first served basis. https://act.berniesanders.com/event/bernie-rally-campaign/7195/

5 p.m. Town Hall with Sen. Bernie Sanders in Augusta
Kroc Center Theater, 1833 Broad Street Augusta, GA 30904 Jessye Norman Amphitheater, 15 8th St, Augusta, GA 30901
Information for the public: This event is free and open to the public. Tickets are not required, but an RSVP is encouraged. Entrance is provided on a first come, first served basis. https://act.berniesanders.com/event/bernie-rally-campaign/7196/

Sunday, May 19

4 p.m. Rally in Birmingham with Sen. Bernie Sanders
Kelly Ingram Park, 500 17th St N, Birmingham, AL 35203
Information for the public: This event is free and open to the public. Tickets are not required, but an RSVP is encouraged. Entrance is provided on a first come, first served basis. https://act.berniesanders.com/event/bernie-rally-campaign/7193/

Monday, May 20

12:45 p.m. Town Hall in Montgomery with Sen. Bernie Sanders
Mt. Zion Church AME Church, 455 W Jeff Davis Ave, Montgomery, AL 36104
Information for the public: This event is free and open to the public. Tickets are not required, but an RSVP is encouraged. Entrance is provided on a first come, first served basis. https://act.berniesanders.com/event/bernie-town-hall-campaign_attend/7371

Andrew Yang Makes First Trip to South Carolina on Saturday, May 18 and Sunday, May 19, 2019

ANDREW YANG MAKES FIRST TRIP TO SOUTH CAROLINA
Yang will participate in multiple events across Columbia and Charleston SC. He will host his first town hall in the state on Saturday.

COLUMBIA, SC — Democratic presidential candidate Andrew Yang will continue his Humanity First Tour with supporters in South Carolina on May 18 and 19. Yang will arrive in South Carolina on Saturday and will meet with leaders form the South Carolina Black caucus, and will be the first presidential candidate to visit "The Hill" (Lower Richland) a low-income community that often feels left out and forgotten by the political system. He will then host his first SC Town Hall moderated by Jennifer Clyburn Reed, the Daughter of House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn. Yang's trip will wrap up on Sunday with two meet and greets and a meeting with Dr Andrew Tsu, President of the College of Charleston. Yang is looking to bring his experience as a successful tech entrepreneur and innovator to the White House as he champions new and bold ideas such as The Freedom Dividend, a form of universal basic income that would provide every American adult $1,000 per month.

Saturday, May 18th
What: Meeting with South Carolina Black Caucus
When: 11:00am - 1:00pm
Where: Richland Library St Andrews
2916 Broad River Rd, Columbia, SC 29210

What: Fish Fry “On The Hill” With Activist Margaret Sumter
When: 1:30pm - 4:00pm
Where: 1432 Crosshill Rd. Hopkins, SC 29061
For more information or to RSVP, click here https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fish-fry-with-presidential-candidate-andrew-yang-in-hopkins-sc-tickets-61127227182

What: Town Hall
When: 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Where: Rehoboth Baptist Church
464 Hardscrabble Rd. Columbia SC, 29229
For more information or to RSVP, click here https://www.eventbrite.com/e/townhall-with-presidential-candidate-andrew-yang-d-in-columbia-sc-tickets-59593193847

Sunday, May 19th
What: Buffet Lunch
When: 1:30pm - 2:30pm
Where: St Johns Holistic Wellness Center
230 J. W. Neal Circle, Hopkins, SC 29061

What: Meet with College of Charleston President Dr. Andrew Tsu
When: 4:45pm - 5:45pm
Where: Randolph Hall
66 George Street, Columbia, SC 29424

What: Meet and Greet - Have a Beer with Andrew Yang
When: 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Where: The Silver Dollar
478 King St, Charleston, SC 29403
For more information or to RSVP, click here https://www.eventbrite.com/e/meet-greet-with-presidential-candidate-andrew-yang-in-charleston-sc-tickets-59591430573