COLUMBIA, S.C. (WACH) — Hundreds of South Carolina Democrats gathered at the State Fairgrounds on Saturday for the party’s annual convention, rallying supporters, hearing from candidates and celebrating what they called a major political win.

The event brought together candidates, elected officials, party activists and voters ahead of what many hope will be a competitive election cycle.

Party leaders and attendees praised the recent failure of a Republican-led redistricting proposal in the state Senate, calling it a victory for fair representation.

“I’m happy that the people responded with clear heads. I’m happy that we will have a fair and free election, and we’re maintaining our democracy in the state. I’m from Cluburn’s District. I’m from Colleton County South Carolina so this is personal to me,” said DeShawn Blanding, a candidate for South Carolina commissioner of agriculture.

Dr. Annie Andrews, a candidate for U.S. Senate, said, “That was a win for democracy people like to say it was a win for Democrats. Yes it was but it was a win for democracy. South Carolina has 40% Democrats. We deserve some representation in our congressional delegation.”

Mayra Rivera-Vázquez, a candidate for South Carolina’s 1st Congressional District, said the outcome showed statewide resolve. “That’s the power of the low country and the power of all the state, showing that we are no one to be directed from someone in Washington, that we are the ones that were gonna control our destiny here,” she said.

But as party members celebrated, a dispute between gubernatorial candidates created tension inside the convention.

Gubernatorial candidate Mullins McLeod announced he would not share the stage with his fellow Democratic candidates during the event.

“I just wanted to go on the record and tell you why I was not gonna share the stage with three people whose platforms would violate will of the people in South Carolina,” McLeod said.

McLeod also accused fellow Democrat Jermaine Johnson of siding with Republicans. “Jermaine Johnson is getting ready to tell all these people how he is for them, but he and I both know that he has voted with the Republican establishment more than 90% of the time,” he said.

Johnson, a Democratic state representative for District 52, responded to McLeod’s allegations and his decision not to appear onstage with the other candidates.

Hopefully he can get the help that he needs. We’re watching a mental health crisis in front of our eyes and I’m just praying for him,” Johnson said.

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COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — President Donald Trump endorsed two Republican gubernatorial candidates Friday, wading into contests in South Carolina and Iowa that have pitted allies against each other in a fierce competition for their party leader’s blessing.

In a pair of social media posts, Trump gave his backing to South Carolina Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette and Iowa Rep. Randy Feenstra, as primary elections in both states approach.

Iowa’s primary is Tuesday, and South Carolina’s is on June 9.

For two terms, Evette has served alongside Gov. Henry McMaster, one of Trump’s earliest backers during his first presidential campaign. Earlier this year, the long-serving governor endorsed his No. 2, telegraphing to some that Trump’s backing could be next.

On Friday, Trump expressed both appreciation for Evette and the state she represents, noting that she stumped for him in 2024. He also said “A BIG added plus” for her campaign is that Henry McMaster Jr. — the sitting governor’s son — may be Evette’s running mate.

In the deep red state of South Carolina, the competition for the president’s support has been the most intense part of the primary race.

In a separate post, Trump described Feenstra as “MAGA all the way” and said he would “fight tirelessly” for the state on issues including the economy, border security and support of law enforcement.

Both Evette and Feenstra have been vocal about wanting Trump’s endorsement, in the hopes that it would carry weight in states that helped propel Trump’s return to office in 2024. Feenstra said earlier this year that he asked for Trump’s support, and much of Evette’s campaign media has featured photos of her next to Trump.

Along with Feenstra, four other Republicans — state Rep. Eddie Andrews, businessman and former conservative political director Zach Lahn, former state Rep. Brad Sherman and former director of the state Department of Administrative Services Adam Steen — are in the primary to replace outgoing Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds, who opted out of a third bid.

Evette is competing for the South Carolina nomination against Rep. Nancy Mace, Rep. Ralph Norman and state Attorney General Alan Wilson.

Both states are having their first competitive Republican gubernatorial primaries in years, with Reynolds and McMaster in office for roughly a decade each.

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Hannah Fingerhut contributed reporting from Des Moines, Iowa.

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Meg Kinnard can be reached at http://x.com/MegKinnardAP

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