Spartanburg – Kathryn Harvey, the Chairwoman of the Spartanburg Democratic Party, faced off against her Republican opponent, U.S. Rep. William Timmons, during a question-and-answer session on August 27. This was the first time they had met, and Harvey hasn’t hesitated to criticize Timmons for what she claims is his lack of presence in the area and his extreme political views.
As a newcomer to the Congressional race, Harvey posed a pointed question about Social Security during the session. With her campaign manager recording, she called out Timmons for endorsing a budget proposal that, according to her, would significantly cut Social Security benefits, affecting many individuals in the district. “How do you think this will affect seniors and working families?” she asked.
This question was meant to highlight Timmons as disconnected from the needs of local residents, painting him as an out-of-touch politician. Timmons responded with a smile, acknowledging her question and leaning into the microphone, asserting that anyone who claims not to touch Social Security is being dishonest.
Currently, Timmons is in his sixth year in Congress and comes off a tough primary battle, which left him short on funds for his campaign while he plans to focus on supporting other candidates across the country. He indicated that he wouldn’t be prioritizing active campaigning within his district.
In contrast, Harvey, who returned to Spartanburg after working in the nonprofit sector in New York, remains positive about her chances. She expressed confidence in her campaign, noting the unique political landscape that has shifted since previous years. While historically, no Democrat has captured the Fourth Congressional District since 1990, she believes factors are aligning that could help flip the seat.
However, winning this seat will be an uphill battle for Harvey. In the last presidential election, she would need a substantial increase in votes compared to Biden’s performance in the district. Her strategy focuses on turning out younger, newer residents and reaching out to inactive Democrats who haven’t participated in recent elections.
With efforts to connect with voters and rally support, Harvey hopes that dissatisfaction with Timmons as an incumbent will drive changes in voter turnout. As she aims to engage with prospective voters multiple times before the election, her campaign is filled with determination, despite the challenges that lie ahead.
