Brandon Upson, SCPN Executive Director

As the winds of change sweep across South Carolina, we find ourselves at a critical crossroads. The recent surge in local elections of extremist groups like Moms for Liberty has eclipsed the voices of progress, leaving our state fractured and our democracy hanging by a thread. In this landscape, where the once-solid Democratic strongholds of Columbia and Charleston have flipped, and the representation of Black voices dwindles, we must recognize that salvation lies in the hands of the next generation.

Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” His words ring true today as we witness young and minority communities lose faith in the power of their vote. The vibrancy of our democracy hinges on their engagement, yet their disillusionment grows with each passing election cycle.

We have front-row seats to the consequences: the ascent of radical factions within the Republican and Democratic parties has overshadowed common-sense idealism. As the Art of War teaches us, one must understand their adversary to overcome them. Our state’s Democratic Party stands at a critical juncture, wielding influence primarily within its internal echelons rather than resonating powerfully across our state’s broader political landscape.

Partisanship must yield to pragmatic leadership in this pivotal moment as the planet faces existential threats and our freedoms teeter on the edge. The traditional playbook has failed us, and it’s time to rewrite the script. It’s time to listen, truly listen, to the voices of working-class people, the marginalized, and the disenchanted—our missing voters.

The solution lies not in perpetuating the same tired rhetoric but in nurturing a new cohort of leaders—innovators unbound by the constraints of conventionality. South Carolina needs fresh ideas, leaders who can bridge divides, and disruptors who deny the confines of party loyalty for the greater good.

The loss of equal representation across our state, through racial and partisan gerrymandering should serve as a clarion call for change. Disillusioned by being taken for granted, young Black voters seek leaders who authentically champion their causes rather than using them as mere election pawns.

It’s time to rebuild the trust that has been eroded by years of neglect and failed promises. For those of us who have been engaged in grassroots organizing, we’ve heard young voters repeatedly say, “My vote doesn’t count.” And to this point, in too many cases, they are absolutely correct. Especially when we see years of racist redistricting tactics used to weaken the value of a Black vote to 3/5 of that of a white vote in our state. If we are going to rekindle the belief in the power of the vote, we must start by making the vote of young Black and African Americans truly matter — and we have a plan for that.

As the new South Carolina Progressive Network Executive Director, I stand committed to this cause. We must orchestrate an organized effort emboldened by passion and driven by purpose to empower and motivate the youth. It’s not just about winning elections; it’s about reinvigorating democracy from its very roots.

Together, we can reclaim South Carolina, not through the lens of political parties but through the unity of purpose. It’s not just a battle for votes; it’s a fight for the soul of our state. Let us march forward, not in the shadows of complacency but in the light of resilience and determination.

The time for change is now.