COLUMBIA, S.C. — With the pivotal presidential primaries fast approaching, South Carolina has become the epicenter of political activity. Big-name candidates are descending upon the state, vying for voter attention and support as the countdown to the 2024 Presidential Primaries continues.
The political stage in South Carolina is heating up, and University of South Carolina Political Science Professor Chase Myer believes it's just the beginning.
"If you're a voter, get ready—your television and the internet will be inundated with commercials, ads, and candidate events,” said Myer.
South Carolina is set to host two crucial primary elections in February.
The Democratic primary will kick off the state's electoral season on February 3rd, followed by the Republican primary on February 24th.
Myer emphasized the significance of South Carolina in the primary process, stating, "You need to put so many resources in a state like South Carolina that you overwhelm the incumbent there. So, that means us, South Carolina voters, we're going to be seeing a lot of Nikki Haley and a lot of Tim Scott, more than we do in most other election seasons."
Jay Parmley, the Executive Director for the State Democratic Party, underlines the party's commitment to the primaries by organizing various events across the state. These events are attended by notable Democrats and surrogates for President Biden.
"Our job at the end of the day with Democrats is to remind them we have a historic first-in-the-nation primary,” said Parmley.
Friday saw the launch of a long-shot presidential primary challenge against President Biden by Rep. Dean Phillips. However, Parmley makes it clear that the Democratic Party is firmly behind Biden.
"Joe Biden is going to win the primary, and most of our local Democratic folks are for him. But that doesn't mean that other voices shouldn't be heard, and we'll welcome them and they'll campaign, too,” said Parmley.
With multiple candidates on the GOP side, the state Republican Party is taking a different approach, according to chairman Drew McKissick.
"We stand back, and we let the candidates get all around the state and meet with our supporters, our county party organizations, and auxiliary groups, so they can bring more people out who will eventually stay and want to be a part of the party after the presidential campaigns are over, raise money—all those things are good for the party and good for South Carolina."
Filing to get on South Carolina's Democratic Presidential Primary ballot opens on November 1 and closes on November 10.