FLORENCE, S.C. (WPDE) — Democratic voters, candidates and party leaders gathered in downtown Florence Saturday for the annual Spratt Issues Conference, discussing issues ranging from public education and health care to national security, the federal budget and the upcoming elections.
The conference was held at the Francis Marion Performing Arts Center and featured former U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg as the keynote speaker.
Buttigieg spoke about what he believes Democrats need to do to connect with voters ahead of the November election, including reaching voters in rural communities.
“I think we have a stronger rural message now than we have in a long time,” Buttigieg said.
He pointed to issues including rural hospital closures, wages and economic opportunity as areas Democrats can use to connect with rural voters.
Buttigieg said Democrats should focus on policies that put more money in people’s pockets, strengthen local economies and give families confidence in the future of their communities.
According to S.C. Votes, about 7.6% of registered voters in Florence County are younger than 25.
READ MORE: 1 injured after commercial building fire on Oakheart Road in Carolina Forest
Mattie Thomas, an executive committee member with the Florence County Democratic Party, said getting young people involved remains a priority.
“I’m always pushing young people. Always,” Thomas said.
Other attendees said they believe the upcoming election could have long-term implications beyond individual races.
“Because the decisions that they make in this election cycle is going to impact the trajectory for the rest of their lives,” said Michelle Demery, who attended the conference from Clarendon County.
Several local and state Democratic politicians and candidates also attended the conference, including Democratic gubernatorial nominee Jermaine Johnson.
The Spratt Issues Conference has been held annually for more than a decade, bringing Democrats together to discuss issues affecting communities across South Carolina.
South Carolina’s 2026 statewide general election is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 3. Early voting is scheduled to run from Oct. 19 through Oct. 31.
