There are moments in the life of a community when the path forward becomes crystal clear. It is the moment we stop looking at politics as something that happens to us, and start realizing that the future is built by the hands of those who show up.
At our July General Meeting this week, we realized we need a bigger room because the crowd was packed! The energy in the room was absolute proof that Lexington County is wide awake, deeply connected, and ready to lead South Carolina into a brighter tomorrow. We didn’t just gather to talk about the state of affairs—we gathered to map out the exact path to victory.
As a reminder- Just 12 weeks until early voting starts on Monday, October 19th!
A Shared Vision for U.S. House Congressional District 2
We heard a powerful, personal address from Zyon Khalifa, our candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives in South Carolina’s 2nd Congressional District. Zyon’s journey—growing up in Aiken, moving through foster care, running track at USC, earning his law degree in Baton Rouge while fighting for children’s rights and working with the ACLU, and serving our country as an Air Force veteran—embodies the resilience and grit of the people he seeks to represent.
Zyon reminded us of a fundamental truth: change happens because we refuse to stay on the sidelines. Pointing to the shifting energy on the ground, he shared moving stories of talking face-to-face with sworn Republicans who are open to change. As Marcurius Byrd highlighted during the meeting, Congressional District 2 carries a strong 45% baseline Democratic performance—proving that this seat is entirely within our reach if we organize. In fact, shifting just 10% of traditional Republican votes secures a historic victory. Note the 2024 results for this district on Ballotpedia.org.
Want to connect with Zyon’s campaign? Catch him out in the community at the upcoming Labor Day event and the Okra Strut, and mark your calendars for the upcoming candidate debate at River Bluff High School this October. Find out more about Zyon on his website: khalifaforcongress.com.
Integrity and Expertise: Tiffany Boozer for Comptroller General
When we talk about good governance, we are talking about accountability. Tiffany Boozer, our candidate for State Comptroller, stepped up to remind us why professional competence matters. As the state’s chief accountant, the Comptroller handles payroll, writes checks, and manages state financial reporting. Tiffany brings a Master’s degree and a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, alongside her credentials as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and internal auditor for the state.
Given the multi-billion-dollar accounting errors of the past, South Carolina desperately needs a trained, vigilant professional at the desk—not a politician guessing at the numbers. Tiffany is the only qualified CPA and accountant in this race. Find out more about Tiffany on her website: boozerforsc.com. And when you see Boozer, choose her!
From Training to the Trenches
No movement runs on inspiration alone; it runs on action. Steven Asbill led a comprehensive volunteer training session breaking down the practical mechanics of our grassroots operation: canvassing, phone banking, text banking, postcard writing, and event tabling. See the full Slide Deck about how you can volunteer.
Local Leadership: Fighting for Our Neighborhoods
The momentum continued as our local State House candidates took the mic to outline what real representation looks like for Lexington County:
(District 96)
- Jeremy Jones (District 88): Focused squarely on fighting for economic affordability and protecting everyday working families from soaring costs. (jeremyjonesforhouse.com)
- Engle Thompson (District 40 – Newberry): Highlighted the urgent stakes of local representation, pointing out that her opponent sponsored restrictive, extreme abortion legislation in the House during the recent session. (Source: SC Statehouse Bill Tracking)(englethompsonforsc.com)
- Emery Chaplin (District 69): Noted that he is the first Democrat to run for this seat in twenty years, inviting everyone to his upcoming meet-and-greet fundraiser at 6pm on August 15th at Carolina Arts Cafe & Studios, 2006 State Street, Cayce River Arts District. (facebook.com)
- Vivian Elston (District 96): Spoke directly to the needs of Pelion, Red Bank, Gaston, and Swansea, championing localized investments in education, infrastructure, essential services, and affordability.(votevivianelston.com)
- Steven Asbill (District 85): Focused on Irmo and Chapin, contrasting his platform of community healthcare access and animal welfare against the extreme mandates of his opponent in the legislative Freedom Caucus.(asbillforsc.com)
Find the other candidates running in November here: We’ve Got Candidates
Do you know which SC House District represents you?
Or find your SC House District here:
State Executive Committee Update
Paula Kauffman informed us that any Democratic Primary problems will now be handled by the state party rather than the county party.
She also mentioned U.S. Senator Chris Murphy of Connecticut is visiting Charleston in July to discuss his new book and will be attending the Progressive Pours Summer Cookout on July 23rd.
Membership
Kathy said that precinct leaders who want to get a list of democrats in their precinct can email her at membership@lexcodems.org.
Upcoming Events
Don’t miss us at the Chapin Labor Day event or the Okra Strut in Irmo this fall!
The Work Ahead
Democracy is a promise we keep together. Whether you want to knock on doors, make phone calls, or help us fund our grassroots infrastructure, there is a place for you in this movement.
👉 Get involved today: Check out our calendar on Mobilize to find upcoming volunteer shifts and events!
