On May 19, 2026, Democratic candidates and supporters from across South Carolina gathered at the Southeastern Institute of Manufacturing and Technology (SiMT) Building at Florence-Darlington Technical College for a powerful evening focused on unity, accountability, and the future of our state.
The Democratic Candidates Forum was hosted by John Gregory Vincent, who is currently running for Congress in South Carolina’s 7th Congressional District against Russell Fry.
More than 300 attendees and over 20 Democratic candidates for federal, statewide, and local offices participated in the event, creating an energized atmosphere centered around civic engagement and voter participation.
The evening opened with welcoming remarks from J. Lawrence Smith, followed by an opening prayer from Florence Mayor, Lethonia Barnes. Jack Luber led the Pledge of Allegiance, helping set the tone for a night focused on service, democracy, and community.
Candidates, elected officials, and speakers throughout the evening included:
- John Gregory Vincent — Host and Candidate for U.S. Congress (District 7)
- Representative Terry Alexander — SC District 59
- Representative Robert Q. Williams — SC District 62
- Billy Webster — Candidate for SC Governor
- Representative Dr. Jermaine Johnson — Candidate for SC Governor
- Brandon Brown — Candidate for U.S. Senate
- DeShawn Blanding — Candidate for SC Commissioner of Agriculture
- Bruce K. Cole — Candidate for SC Comptroller General
- Tiffany M. Boozer — Candidate for SC Comptroller General
- Edwina Winter — Candidate for SC Secretary of State
- Jason Belton — Candidate for SC Secretary of State
- Vincent Coe — Candidate for SC State Treasurer
- Trav Robertson Jr. — Candidate for SC State Treasurer
- Sylvia Wright — Candidate for Superintendent of Education
- Cynthia O. Ford — Candidate for SC House District 57
- Judy Davies — Candidate for SC House District 68
- George M. Blumenthal — Candidate for SC House District 104
- David Wilson — Candidate for SC House District 105
- Marisa McCann — Candidate for SC House District 106
- Christine Giguere — Candidate for SC House District 107
- Kathy Redwine — Candidate for SC House District 108
- Lethonia Barnes — City of Florence Mayor
- George D. Jebaily — City of Florence Mayor Pro Tempore/At-Large
- LaNika “Shelly” Williams — Candidate for Florence City Council At Large
- Damonni Clayton — Candidate for Florence City Council District 3
- Malcolm Nowlin — Florence County Democratic Party Chair
- Shirley Vaught — Horry County Democratic Party Chair
The evening concluded with a moving closing prayer by Rev. Roderick Cummings.
A special moment during the event came when Florence City Council candidates Shelly Williams and her daughter Damonni Clayton introduced themselves and shared their goals for serving the Florence community.
One of the highlights of the evening was a gubernatorial Q&A session moderated by John Vincent featuring Rep. Dr. Jermaine Johnson and Billy Webster.
Dr. Jermaine Johnson spoke passionately about voting rights, affordability, education, and representation. After spending the day in Columbia fighting Republican-led redistricting efforts, Johnson emphasized the importance of protecting democracy and ensuring that South Carolinians are not silenced.
“They are trying to silence our voices across the state and across the country,” Johnson said. “The people of South Carolina deserve true representation.”
Johnson also discussed gun violence, the affordability crisis, education, and the importance of lifting others up through leadership and opportunity.
Billy Webster addressed South Carolina’s growing affordability crisis, telling attendees that families across the state are struggling with rising costs and economic uncertainty. Webster emphasized that leadership requires action, not just promises.
“I won’t just talk — I will do for South Carolinians,” Webster said.
Throughout the night, candidates repeatedly stressed the importance of voting and civic participation.
Rep. Terry Alexander delivered one of the evening’s most direct calls to action.
“If you don’t use the power of the vote, there is not one thing you can say,” Alexander told the crowd. “So we got to vote! Everyone in our house and immediate family needs to vote.”
He also noted that more than 300,000 registered voters in America failed to cast ballots, underscoring the importance of turnout in every election.
Candidate for U.S. Senate Brandon Brown energized the audience by promising to hold national leaders accountable, stating that if elected he would call for the impeachment of Donald Trump and work to “send Lindsey Graham home.”
Trav Robertson Jr. connected with attendees by speaking candidly about the economic pressures many South Carolinians face every day.
“We’re all feeling the struggle,” Robertson said, discussing rising gas and grocery prices while criticizing current state financial leadership.
Sylvia Wright shared her deeply personal story as a product of South Carolina’s public education system and discussed the challenges facing students, teachers, and schools across the state. Wright emphasized that leadership, management, and judgment are her top qualifications and pledged to prioritize raising teacher salaries and improving education outcomes statewide.
“It’s time for change,” Wright declared to loud applause.
At one point during his rousing talk to the crowd, John Vincent made a special shout out to Barbara Caraway in the audience, calling her his coach and a really great friend. To John and his wife, Deb, Barbara has been an advisor on where to go and what to do for months. She’s a mover and shaker in Darlington and an example of what it means to be an asset to an entire community.
The overall message of the forum was clear: Democrats across South Carolina are organizing, engaging voters, and building momentum for meaningful change.
As candidates and attendees left the event, the focus remained on one simple but powerful idea — participation matters.
Voting remains one of the most important rights and responsibilities Americans have. Every election shapes the future of our communities, schools, healthcare, economy, infrastructure, and democracy itself.
Real change happens when people organize, participate, and make their voices heard at the ballot box.
Together, we can build a future where every South Carolinian is represented, respected, and heard.
Be informed. Be engaged. Be heard. Vote!
