Richland County Democratic Party

Richland County Democratic Party, SC is works to engage, education, and support Democrats in SC

Richland County Democratic Party, SC

county population

Percent registered Democrat

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<h2>WE ELECT DEMOCRATS!</h2><img src="https://run.imgix.net/3f13fcb4-b342-470f-973d-721701325898/dc39e713-2f15-4145-bb10-a2a47671f364/7f456416-7b34-403e-a49a-1e583bf77c45.webp?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=618%2C612%2C2984%2C1496&amp;w=1500" alt="" title="" caption="" align="left" alignwidth="40" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed"><h3>The mission of the Richland County Democratic Party is to elect Democratic candidates and to encourage participation in the political process by people of all backgrounds who support Democratic principles.</h3><h3>Funds raised by the RCDP will be used to help elect Democratic candidates and to support Democratic programs.</h3>

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RCDP / SCDP

<img src="https://run.imgix.net/3f13fcb4-b342-470f-973d-721701325898/71b61113-026b-4457-a9e3-a90868d0a596/71b61113-026b-4457-a9e3-a90868d0a596.jpeg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C79%2C859%2C455&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="left" alignwidth="40" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed">RCDP can help provide resources and training to help organize your local areas. <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.richlandscdems.com/volunteer">Sign up here to get started!</a>

RCDP can help provide resources and training to help organize your local areas. <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.richlandscdems.com/volunteer">Sign up to learn more!</a>

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Get Involved in YOUR Community

The Richland Democrats support the South Carolina Democratic Party Platform for many of issues. <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://scdp.org/resources/scdp-platform/">The platform can be found here.</a>

The Richland Democrats supports the South Carolina Democratic Party Platform. <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://scdp.org/resources/scdp-platform/">The platform can be found here.</a>

RCDP / SCDP Platform

Richland County's House Delegation

Our Richland County House Elected Officials

Democrat - District 74 Minority Leader

Representative J. Todd Rutherford

Democrat - District 75

Representative Heather Bauer

Democrat - District 78

Representative Beth E. Bernstein

Democrat - District 77

Representative Kambrell H. Garvin

Democrat - District 73

Representative Christopher "Chris" Hart

Democrat - District 76

Representative Leon Howard

Democrat - District 70

Representative Jermaine L. Johnson, Sr.

Democrat - District 41

Representative Annie E. McDaniel

Democrat - District 72

Representative Seth Rose

Democrat - District 79

Representative Ivory Torrey Thigpen

Republican - District 71

Representative Nathan Ballentine

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Person's Title

President Joe Biden

Rep. Dean Philips

Marianne Williamson

Candidates running for the Democratic Party Presidential Primary

First In The Nation Presidential Primary

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<img src="https://run.imgix.net/3f13fcb4-b342-470f-973d-721701325898/e1c46c76-7c79-4608-b0a0-fcfc39985afe/e1c46c76-7c79-4608-b0a0-fcfc39985afe.jpeg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C157%2C697%2C383&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="left" alignwidth="40" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed">The 2024 RCDP Convention activities kicked off with a special celebration on February 27th at the “Mansion on Blanding”. Special guest Anderson Clayton (D-NC), the youngest state party chair in the nation shared her enthusiastic message and a charge to take action, getting the crowd fired up in the process. A great time was had by all: good food, good music, dancing and Democrats! We raised money to fund both the convention and the new ”Fund a Bold Future” campaign. Hat tips to Bre Spaulding, Sam Johnson, Fannie Lott and Sherron Williams for making it happen!The RCDP Convention convened on the morning of March 2nd at Brookland Baptist Church in West Columbia. The accommodations were spacious, with comfortable chairs, good acoustics and other amenities to support the over 200 participants.Convention volunteers, led by Della Coulter, did an excellent job of planning and setting up the check-in and credentialing process. Voting credentials were assigned to registered Richland County voters who had not voted in the Republican primary and who signed a statement saying that they considered themselves to be Democrats.Prior to the start of the program, a light breakfast was served and informational tables provided everyone with an opportunity to interact with regional groups and other Democratic organizations.The Blythewood High School Junior ROTC presented the colors in the opening ceremony. Chairwoman Valerie Moore gave a brief review of the activities of the RCDP over the past eight months, including activities surrounding the Senate District 19 Special Election, the First in the Nation Presidential Primary and other initiatives. She reiterated Anderson Clayton’s call to action and warning that “no one is coming to rescue us”, making the case that taking action now is imperative, but also an important part of building a strategic and lasting infrastructure for Democrats in SC.The convention was then turned over to be chaired by the Honorable Tina Herbert who serves on the Columbia City Council. Christale Spain, SCDP Chair, outlined initiatives like Project Roadmap and recapped many of the state level actions taking place.Throughout the program, many members of Richland County’s elected delegation and Democratic candidates for public office were given 3 minutes each to share their messages and/or platforms. Rep. Leon Howard brought greetings from Congressman Clyburn and was followed throughout the morning by more than 20 speakers.A standing vote was conducted for the RCDP Chair and the three Vice Chairs who will serve a one-year term. Beginning in March, 2025, county conventions will return to a two year cycle occurring in odd years (not presidential or midterm years!). The only contested officer’s race was for 3rd Vice Chair with two very qualified candidates, Myles Taste (incumbent) and Mckenzie Watson, who shared their visions for the role of young leadership via this office. Myles prevailed in a close vote.RCDP Officers, March 2024-March 2025 Valerie Moore, Chair Sam Johnson, 1st Vice Chair Maryann Wright, 2nd Vice Chair Myles Taste, 3rd Vice ChairExisting Officers finishing the second year of their three-year terms: Margaret Sumpter, Executive Committeewoman Marcurius Byrd, Executive Committeeman Sherron Williams, Alternate Executive Committeewoman Mike McCauley, Alternate Executive CommitteemanPer the RCDP By-laws, the positions of Treasurer and Secretary will be approved to serve a one-year term at the next Executive Committee meeting.Mini Precinct ReorganizationAnother highlight of the convention was the inclusion of a mini "precinct reorganization". New SCDP by-laws this year removed the requirement to hold precinct organizing meetings prior to county conventions. In order to encourage and determine leaders for each of the 149 precincts in the county, signs were posted throughout the assembly room so attendees could gather with neighbors at a designated spot and discuss their precinct’s representative and alternate on the RCDP Executive Committee. As the governing body of the county party, representation from each precinct is important. Precincts with multiple people interested in serving were voted on via electronic ballot. Unopposed precinct leaders will be officially voted on at the April 1st Executive Committee meeting. A robust ninety-two precincts will now be represented, with a continuing goal of finding representatives for the remaining precincts.SCDP DelegatesIn addition to pre-submitted nominations for SCDP Delegates, nominations were accepted from the floor and at check-in. Nominees were divided by congressional district and gender and electronic ballots were emailed to credentialed voters according to their district. Paper ballots were readied, but several names were omitted from the ballot and/or were listed incorrectly. Attendees were notified that a corrected ballot would be emailed and paper ballots delivered before the end of the day. Once corrected, the ballots were successfully distributed via email and returned within 24 hours. Paper ballots were offered, but none were needed. Delegates and alternates were notified once all the ballots were submitted.ResolutionsResolutions don’t always get the attention they deserve, but they are an important step in forming the party’s platform. Resolutions submitted in advance and approved by unanimous voice vote at the convention included: ● A call for a study to identify and promote an effective means of regulating the misuse of artificial intelligence without infringing on our protected First Amendment rights. ● A call for comprehensive campaign finance reform at both the state and federal level. ● A call for a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza and condemnation of the rising antisemitism and anti-Islamic hate in the world. ● A call for humanitarian aid, restoration of UNRWA funding to Palestine and a permanent ceasefire in Gaza ● Support of the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2021 at all levels of government. ● A call for abolishment of the death penalty ● Support for President Biden and his administration’s efforts and successes.In summary, the 2024 RCDP Convention was a success in terms of engaging Richland County Democrats in the political process of choosing leadership, developing our value statements, hearing from our delegation and candidates, and for providing avenues for organizing on a very local level.

The Richland County Democratic Party provides many opportunities for you get engaged in both the local and state democratic parties or your own communities. Click the button below to visit our mobilize link and find the opportunity that works best for you.

Affiliated group

Young Democrats of the Central Midlands

Richland Democratic Women's Council

High School Democrats of South Carolina

Affiliated Groups are statewide groups that have local chapters here in Richland County. Some of these local Chapters may be a combination of counties working together.

Affliated Groups

See what's happening in Richland County

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Working to elect democrats up and down the ballot!

RCDP County Party Officers

Valerie Moore

Chair

Sam Johnson

1st Vice Chair

Maryann wright

2nd Vice Chair

myles taste

3rd Vice Chair

marcurius byrd

SCDP Executive Committeeman

margaret sumpter

SCDP Executive Committeewoman

mike Mccauley

Alternate SCDP Executive Committeeman

sherron Williams

Alternate SCDP Executive Committeewoman

Melzina cannon

Treasurer

thomasina gary

Secretary

Get Involved!

REgional Group

In-Town Dems

Northeast Dems

North Richland Dems

St. Andrews Dems

Ballentine-Irmo-Chapin (B.I.C.) Dems

Our RCDP regional groups are comprised of cluster of precincts used to help organize our local communities, so we as democrats can both engaged with and educate ourselves and neighbors about issues and upcoming elections. Contact your local regional leader today to join their email list...and feel free to join the other regional group meetings too!

Join A Regional Group today!

Richland County's Senate Delegation

Our Richland County Senate Elected Officials

democrat - District 20

Senator Richard A. "Dick" Harpootlian

Democrat - District 21

Senator Darrell Jackson

Democrat- District 35

Senator J. Thomas McElveen III

Independent - District 22

Senator Mia S. McLeod

district 19

Senator Tameika Isaac Devine

Register to vote online any time by visiting <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://scvotes.gov">scvotes.gov</a> or <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://votescblue.com">votescblue.com</a>.

Voter Timeline

May 10

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May 28

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jun 11

Jun. 11

Oct. 21

Nov. 5

President of the united states

vice president of the unIted states

Vice President Kamala Harris

President and Vice President

County Chair Valerie Moore PHONE: 803-939-5966 EMAIL: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:chair@richlandscdems.com">chair@richlandscdems.com</a>Executive Committeewoman Margaret Sumpter PHONE: 803-260-1731 EMAIL: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:mwestsumpter@yahoo.com">mwestsumpter@yahoo.com</a>Executive Committeeman Marcurius Byrd PHONE: 803-457-9886 EMAIL:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:byrd_mar_j@yahoo.com">byrd_mar_j@yahoo.com</a>Alternate Executive Committeewoman Sherron Williams PHONE:803-312-3417 EMAIL: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:outofcola60@gmail.com">outofcola60@gmail.com</a> Alternate Executive Committeeman Michael McCauley PHONE: 843-343-4109 EMAIL: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:mwmccauley@gmail.com">mwmccauley@gmail.com</a>

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<h2>How To Run For Office</h2>RCDP and SCDP are here to help. This guide is meant to help you through the first few steps toward holding public office. It’s important to quickly gain a realistic expectation of what it takes to run for office, the players and resources involved, and the things that will help you win and those that won’t. We can’t give you every answer. This guide is not meant to replace your campaign plan.

<h2>Building the Bench with RCDP</h2>A successful coach builds a deep bench by cultivating the skills and talents of each team member. The Richland County Democratic Party meets every Thursday evening at 5pm at 1929 Gadsden Street (SCDP HQ) for discussions and training for volunteers, precinct leaders, activists and candidates.The DNC has thorough online training resources to guide our discussions. Hands-on training will also be available from local party volunteers and leaders.Our goal is to build a deep bench of volunteers, candidates and party leaders in Richland County, including:<ul><li>training field volunteers and precinct leaders</li><li>finding folks with diverse strengths and talents to grow the party's potential</li><li>learning &amp; discussing the practical aspects of building and maintaining a healthy county party</li><li>recruiting &amp; supporting candidates with volunteers and resources</li></ul>Whether you're a novice or a pro, join us for any or all of the sessions! Light refreshments are served and we encourage "potluck" contributions of snacks.

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<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://mobilize.us/s/PGIzpw">Sign up to join our "Build the Bench" series today!</a>

RCDP meets every Thursday evening for discussions and training for volunteers, precinct leaders, activists and candidates.

Build the bench

U.S. Congressional Delegation

us House of Representatives Sixth District

James E. Clyburn [D]

US House of Representatives Second District

Addison G. "Joe" Wilson [R]

United States Senators from South Carolina

Lindsey Graham [R]

Timothy E. Scott [R]

<h2>True Blue Membership</h2>RCDP dollars help elect Democratic officials and lawmakers by paying for canvassing, phone banking, year-round voter engagement, and events and materials for elections.<ul><li>Sky Member - less than $25/mo</li><li>Navy Member - $25/mo to $99/mo</li><li>Cobalt Member - $100/mo or more</li></ul>Donations support grassroots organizing to turn out Democratic voters. Members have access to special events.

News for RCDP and SCDP

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SCDP Statement on Nikki Haley’s Latest Anti-Choice Attack

SCDP Condemns GOP Mismanagement of Taxpayer Funds

SCDP Statement on Trump’s Refusal To Condemn Putin

Trump’s Not “The One.” This Valentine’s Day, South Carolina Shouldn’t Reconnect With Its Ex

SCDP Celebrates Congressman Clyburn’s Leadership of House Democrats

Fact Checks: Donald Trump and Nikki Haley Spent the Weekend Lying to South Carolinians

After&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener" href="https://click.actionnetwork.org/ss/c/tTBUZwcBH_2q13Ow12s-jaBSLr3JRV1kJ8bfFqreln_pN7Ow1SdpeJoD0hZcy_t4VTcTmsDcgZZ79b_BjVaC5Y9CK46_NzrClbsVJQEwveg9AG8MDpvPp9oeJo8Zux2S9sbbDATP095y1J-alK160ZapHC5DSp2AzliwE7XRKQ9KZXii7gp6gcqMmQyNqmCiYL4_S7WnWAv4E2P8JZDVwVp-lFQdXZqIyphwAurSyig52spy6yyUJ5FtFQlS5vxQpnk6epiBpG4nYiQdYlMVYVsEBISrNFCrWUxImIEaYiSmf8hVvFsF_lCTQAQma3zKPs_zd1Hr4wUxB9-U2qlAy-NxyEO0mqdRp5Z4nP-wdf8IhrqMMJHBmTE3PE7z5PyPSPNiZTfQqa2dVTSGDb7wJWMcYJmhqLFkwCtFXlOZ8P2Rhi1lBRTWLHd7ZSw-wGzWf5hQpsTWyo6SHBYehZFxtPZlpywdrr6vzMG2LFKOn9I/434/x1NTsERgTIqHXYlU_Nob4A/h0/fHauGiEvNg6tIQxj56nY8Xe3cxAaXCvZJtxckiiknao">pretending</a>&nbsp;to be shocked about Tim Scott endorsing Donald Trump for president,&nbsp;South Carolina Democratic Party Chair Christale Spain&nbsp;released the following statement:“No one is less surprised than me that Tim Scott would throw his full support behind Donald Trump’s plans to ban abortion nationwide, destroy our democracy, rip away access to affordable health care, and give more tax breaks to the wealthy at the expense of working families – they’re the same dangerous policies he’s been parroting in our state for years. Scott’s endorsement makes clear what we’ve been saying all along – Tim Scott is just as MAGA as Donald Trump, and their extreme agenda would be a disaster for this country.“South Carolinians deserve better. That’s why we’re organizing to keep the one person who can stop the threat of Trump in the White House – President Joe Biden.”

SCDP Statement on Tim Scott Endorsing Donald Trump for President

As we gear up for our historic first-in-the-nation Democratic primary on Saturday, February 3, 2024, the South Carolina Democratic Party is thrilled to announce President Joe Biden as a speaker for our&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener" href="https://click.actionnetwork.org/ss/c/atcYNHk4Eh2YdGnwBh-YDI48kBpznp8jhwb0742P_idID9BoU86b67LaIsJjm_yjLiekYxK2mM8A8N4XP1dXMUjW5GZaDVU6a-Tcx_M9-OlsGwgrO_LT19Qeb4I2cOVyXVf9X2n-OAlbvrMTcpuC_7dn7B5g7xVZxMdNaBAueCDci_ocwC-w_auWZWTNHwvgNAX4u-sNYiF3mi0yRLn2zUdvLaMMIgFy_4q6ac_SieSxkkMYyFjTBDBOQtUgujF_3CDkgXTToUZnbb-VFpeUFc6RATl9o2LCDvWYd3GU3QuZ1GEskDF6AArad0t1D-JMyFBW31NQ_38AI_FefhLCi3MrcJhciTv-3fMCUf30xNZHyHG9c39hVnnObOP0RbhR4dxPI3Bdl7zavuwJEHhLCoGjz_jw_6G7RFE9ium_YC2CyvC_Yr4KiCe7sw4fDw2nlDSRZE1MyUobxmE8bVLvnTrjpvd7uhV9tlaFblYPH3YtqrpD_bh-cikbtHrAYuwlHcSluTCPvv4Vo9g6yZM6DA/42x/p1qS9ANOS0SsFrNE5EVK8g/h0/ndPRPtPw1qC4YpsAPlINJ1kOaVcX8wyJqigYIrEfYTI">First in the Nation Celebration and dinner</a>&nbsp;on Saturday, January 27th.South Carolina Democratic Party Chair Christale Spain&nbsp;and&nbsp;South&nbsp;Carolina Executive Director Jay Parmley&nbsp;released the following statement:“We are so proud and excited to welcome President Biden to the Palmetto State a week before South Carolina Democrats head to the polls on February 3 and make history in our first first-in-the-nation primary. The President recognizes that South Carolina voters matter. Black voters matter. And Southern voters matter. We are grateful to him for honoring his commitment to our state and to our party by coming back to the place that started his road to the White House. For the first time ever, the backbone of the Democratic Party – Black voters – will choose who they want in the White House&nbsp;first.&nbsp;This dinner will be a night of celebration for the historic role the Palmetto State now plays in our party’s nominating process.”This Democratic primary will be historic. The South Carolina Democratic Party has held a dinner with candidates, national figures, local elected officials, and community members during every primary season. In addition to President Biden,&nbsp;this year’s dinner&nbsp;will feature DNC Chair Jaime Harrison, Congressman Jim Clyburn, and other community leaders. Presidential candidates Marianne Williamson and Congressman Dean Phillips have been invited.

SC Democratic Party Announce President Joe Biden as a Special Guest for First-in-the-Nation

Ahead of President Joe Biden’s visit to the historic Mother Emmanuel AME Church in Charleston,&nbsp;South Carolina Democratic Party Chair Christale Spain&nbsp;released the following statement:“South Carolina Democrats are thrilled to welcome President Biden back to the Palmetto State today. The president’s visit to Mother Emmanuel AME Church is a sobering reminder of what’s at stake for the future of our country in 2024 as Donald Trump and MAGA Republicans wage relentless assaults on our democracy, attack our fundamental freedoms, and fuel the flames of political violence and extremism.“Joe Biden knows that South Carolina matters, Black voters matter, and the South matters. With the first-in-the-nation Democratic Party primary less than thirty days away, this message will resonate across the Palmetto State ahead of this critical election.”

South Carolina Democrats Welcome President Biden to Charleston

The Richland County Democratic Party congratulates Tameika Isaac Devine on her win in the Senate District 19 Special Election with 86% of the vote.

The Richland County Democratic Party congratulates Tameika Isaac Devine on her win in the Senate District 19 Special Election with 86% of the vote.

Tameika Isaac Devine Wins Senate 19 Special Election

The Senate District-19 Special Election will be held on January 2, 2024 (7am -7pm).Early voting for this election is open on Dec 18th - 21st, and Dec. 26th - Dec. 29th from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and runs through Friday, Dec. 29, at the Richland County Voter Registration and Elections office at 2020 Hampton St. and at the Richland County Early Voting Center at 2011 Hampton St. in Columbia.For polling locations and other information regarding the election <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.richlandcountysc.gov/Portals/0/Departments/Elections/2024-1-02%20S19%20Election%20Notice-Richland%20County%20Final%2012_1_2023.pdf">click here</a>.

The Senate District-19 Special Election will be held on January 2, 2024 (7am -7pm).Early voting for this election is open on Dec 18th - 21st, and Dec. 26th - Dec. 29th from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and runs through Friday, Dec. 29, at the Richland County Voter Registration and Elections office at 2020 Hampton St. and at the Richland County Early Voting Center at 2011 Hampton St. in Columbia.For polling locations and other information regarding the election <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.richlandcountysc.gov/Portals/0/Departments/Elections/2024-1-02%20S19%20Election%20Notice-Richland%20County%20Final%2012_1_2023.pdf">click here</a>.

Senate 19 Special Election on Jan. 2nd, 2024

S.C. &nbsp;Yesterday&nbsp;, SCDP Chair Christale Spain, SCDP Executive Director Jay Parmley, and DNC Chair Jaime Harrison launched SCDP’s get out the vote (GOTV) program with new initiatives generating visibility, voter education, and excitement around South Carolina’s historic first in the nation primary.

ICYMI: South Carolina Democrats Launch Historic GOTV Program Ahead of First in the Nation Primary

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Learn more about the delegate selection process by visiting <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://scdp.org/2024-delegate-selection-plan/">https://scdp.org/2024-delegate-selection-plan/</a>

Request YOUR Absentee Ballot NOW!

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