South Carolina Democrats celebrate redistricting win as governor hopefuls clash

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.