SPARTANBURG — In a bid to encourage voter turnout in the Upstate, Democrats in Greenville and Spartanburg joined forces with a campaign known as “Priority Six.” The initiative focused on reaching out to voters who had not participated in recent elections, aiming to win 11 key races and potentially unseat Republicans who have maintained control in the region for a long time.
Despite their efforts, the results were disappointing. All ten Democratic candidates faced defeat, with Republicans winning each race by a margin of over 20 points, based on unofficial election results from November 6.
Kathryn Harvey, who led the charge against U.S. Representative William Timmons, suffered a loss by about 23 points. Following her defeat, she expressed determination and commitment to continue the fight for future elections.
“We have a lot to fight for,” Harvey emphasized. “We will be persistent until we see these seats flip, and you have my word on that.”
However, despite her positive outlook, the election results suggested little change in the political landscape. Timmons’s victory was only slightly smaller than his 25-point win in 2020, and he faced no opponent in 2022.
Harvey did manage to draw more funding than previous Democratic candidates, raising over $480,000, but that did not translate into a successful election outcome. Party leaders expressed disappointment but were realistic about the challenges ahead, identifying the need for better voter education and turnout.
Amanda McDougald Scott, chair of the Greenville County Democratic Party, acknowledged the difficulties faced but remarked that pursuing these races was essential for paving the way for future Democratic contenders.
While some Republican leaders noted that having Democratic challengers was beneficial for distinguishing their own candidates, they also observed a lack of voter enthusiasm on the Democratic side.
Looking ahead, Democrats are focusing on voter outreach and learning from this election. Phil Ford, a consultant for the Priority Six campaign, highlighted a slight increase in support in one district where Democrats had not competed in a decade. He stressed the importance of gathering data for future campaigns to better understand voter preferences and issues.
As Democrats prepare for the next election cycle, they are adopting a long-term view, hoping for a shift in voter sentiment as they continue their work in the Upstate. Scott believes that as frustration with national politics grows, the environment could be more favorable for Democrats in the upcoming years.
The 2026 elections could potentially bring a new wave of support for Democrats, especially if the political climate shifts away from current Republican trends. For now, the focus remains on building a stronger foundation for future electoral challenges.
