South Carolina Democrats Hold Annual Florence Conference as Buttigieg Pushes Rural Vote Before Nov. 3
Updated
Updated · wpde.com · Aug 23
South Carolina Democrats Hold Annual Florence Conference as Buttigieg Pushes Rural Vote Before Nov. 3
3 articles · Updated · wpde.com · Aug 23
Summary
Pete Buttigieg headlined South Carolina Democrats’ annual Spratt Issues Conference in Florence on Saturday, where party leaders, candidates and voters focused on the 2026 election.
At the Francis Marion Performing Arts Center, Buttigieg argued Democrats can regain rural voters by addressing hospital closures, wages, economic opportunity and policies that put more money in people’s pockets.
7.6% of registered voters in Florence County are younger than 25, according to S.C. Votes, and local party leaders said recruiting younger voters remains a priority ahead of the fall campaign.
Jermaine Johnson and other Democratic candidates attended the gathering, which has run for more than a decade as a forum on issues from education and health care to national security and the federal budget.
South Carolina’s statewide general election is set for Nov. 3, with early voting scheduled from Oct. 19 through Oct. 31.