The Clarendon County Democratic Party (CCDP) convened on March 6 at the Clarendon County Courthouse, bringing together elected officials, party leaders, and community members to discuss the party’s direction and the challenges ahead. The event featured speeches from key figures, including South Carolina Democratic Party (SCDP) Executive Director Jay Parmley, who delivered the keynote address in place of SCDP Chairwoman Christale Spain, who was unable to attend.
A call to action
CCDP Chairwoman Patricia Pringle opened the meeting by emphasizing the importance of grassroots organizing and voter engagement, particularly in light of recent Democratic losses in Clarendon County.
“We have to start now,” Pringle said. “We can’t wait until 2026 to get ready. We need to mobilize, educate, and bring more voters to the polls.”
Quadri Bell, community liaison from Congressman Jim Clyburn’s office, reinforced the urgency of action, pointing to voter turnout declines and the need to counter misinformation.
“This is not a celebration,” Bell said. “This has got to be a movement for us to work because if we leave here and just say, ‘What a wonderful job we did,’ we are in the wrong place. We need to come together, come up with a plan, and fight back against those who are trying to take us backward.”
Challenges and priorities
Parmley highlighted the contrast between Democratic priorities and former President Donald Trump’s recent rhetoric.
“On Tuesday night, there were zero mentions in his speech about health care, but he talked about annexing Greenland three times,” Parmley said. “Not one mention of affordable housing, but he talked about taking back the Panama Canal six times. No mentions of veterans’ care, but he mentioned Elon Musk three times. That’s what we’re up against—an agenda that prioritizes the ultra-wealthy while ignoring the real struggles of everyday Americans.”
Parmley stressed the need for direct voter engagement, urging party members to have conversations with neighbors and encourage voter participation.
Election of officers
The convention concluded with the election of party officers for 2025. Patricia Pringle was re-elected as Chair, with Dr. Terrance Tindal serving as First Vice-Chair, Catherine James Stone as Second Vice-Chair, and Jessie Cave as Third Vice-Chair. Willie Briggs was elected as Executive Committeeman, with Moses Levy, Jr. as Alternate Executive Committeeman. Mary Cooper will serve as Executive Committeewoman, and Tamilla Green as Alternate Executive Committeewoman.
Additionally, delegates were selected to represent the county at the South Carolina Democratic Party State Convention on May 31 in Columbia.
Recognizing dedication
During the convention, the CCDP honored two individuals for their dedication and service. Willie White, a 100-year-old World War II veteran, was recognized for his lifelong commitment to the Democratic Party and his efforts to encourage voter participation in Clarendon County. Linda Pringle was also honored for her unwavering dedication to voter registration and election integrity, working tirelessly to ensure that citizens are informed and engaged in the electoral process.
As Democrats left the courthouse that evening, the message was clear: the work begins now. The party aims to strengthen voter outreach, counter misinformation, and mobilize support for Democratic candidates in the upcoming elections.
