John, since the last time I wrote to you, my team and I are getting settled in, not just into our new roles in YDSC but for a long fight for freedom. Especially since theocrats calling themselves jurists gave our legislature the permission they craved to treat the bodies of women, femmes--really, anyone with a uterus--as state property, our members stood up for freedom. From those who come over to Columbia every time the Legislature meets, or for every protest; to those who literally started an abortion fund; to those who email their state representatives and senators--thank you for everything you've done since June. We are nowhere near done.
I admit that our members are of two minds when it comes to the nomination of Congressman Joe Cunningham for Governor. Some of us are thrilled with his dynamic approach to our state--and that he managed to get attorney Tally Parham Casey onto a statewide ballot when many SCDP leaders couldn't. Some of us are highly concerned with a few of his campaign's priorities.
One thing is clear: Joe Cunningham and Tally Parham Casey are now the only thing that stands between South Carolina and an authoritarian hellstate led by a partisan hack. Krystle Matthews may well be what finally gets the U.S. Senate to work for the people again. Lisa Ellis is the only candidate qualified to be Superintendent of Education by laws we as voters voted into the state constitution. Peggy Butler will be needed to maintain the integrity of our Electoral College ballots. Your State House representative will be more consequential than ever--and it's necessary that Democrats pick up seats there.
We have a long way to go in these last 95 days until the election. I hope you'll join me in this fight.
Austin Jackson
President, Young Democrats of South Carolina
