Updated 3/21/2026
To strengthen our impact and drive meaningful change in South Carolina, the Lexington County Democratic Party has established a comprehensive framework for growth and advocacy. This Strategic Plan details our primary goals for the next two to five years—ranging from increasing voter turnout to building a robust leadership pipeline. Explore our key themes and current progress below as we work together to turn our values into action.
Strategic Planning: Pillars of Progress
Core Priority (2-Year Focus) | Strategic Vision (5-Year Goal) | Key Initiatives & Projects |
|---|---|---|
| Cultivating Community & Belonging | Achieving Broad Political Representation | Strategic Candidate Development & Support |
| Voter Mobilization & Brand Visibility | Driving Sustained Civic Engagement & Turnout | Voter Education & Participation Programs |
Expanding Our Leadership Pipeline | Building Formidable Political Influence | Community Connectivity & Local Visibility |
| Strategic Partnerships & Alliances | Scalable Organizational Excellence | Youth Empowerment & Inclusive Outreach |
| Advocacy for Shared Values | Impactful Policy & Community Advocacy | Diversified Fundraising & Fiscal Growth |
| Sustainability & Financial Health | Coalition Building & Grassroots Outreach |
Overall Theme: Increase/Improve in the following areas:
Engagement
Finances
Representation
Partnerships
Education
Advocacy
How will we measure if we are meeting our goals?
| 20% ACTIVE MEMBER INCREASE | SIX NEW CANDIDATES RECRUITED | THREE PUBLIC FORUMS ON KEY ISSUES |
| 90% PRECINCTS REPRESENTATION | TWO MAJOR CANDIDATES ELECTED | 25 MONTHLY RECURRING DONORS |
| 15% VOTER TURNOUT INCREASE | FIVE NEW PARTNERSHIPS | FOUR FUNDRAISERS PER YEAR |
| TEN ANNUAL COMMUNITY EVENTS | THREE COLLABORATION EVENTS | Bonus: Clyburn Fellow |
- Expanding Electoral Participation: In 2024, Democrats contested only 18% of House seats. By 2025, participation reached 100% for special elections by backing Colonel Hightower, and we are currently on track to contest 55% of seats this year. With nine days remaining in the filing period, we continue to push for full representation across the ballot.
- Facilitating Public Dialogue: We have successfully hosted public forums featuring Representative Bauer and Representative Garvin, alongside sessions with Superintendent of Education candidate Lisa Ellis, to foster direct communication between leadership and the community.
- Strengthening Precinct Leadership: Currently, 48% of our 96 precincts are represented on the Executive Committee. While we have made significant strides, achieving full representation across all precincts remains a primary focus and a call to action for local leaders.
- Engaging in Critical Elections: With strong options for the Gubernatorial and 2nd Congressional District races, we are prioritizing voter mobilization for the Primaries, Run-offs, and the General Election.
- Cultivating Financial Sustainability: We extend our sincere gratitude to our 18 recurring donors. We have currently reached 72% of our sustainability goal; these contributions are vital to the long-term health of our organization.
- Connecting with the Electorate: There are over 23,000 inactive voters in Lexington County. We are dedicated to building meaningful, door-to-door connections to re-engage these neighbors in the democratic process.
- Deepening Regional Alliances: Our partnerships with the Richland County Democratic Party (RCDP) and the Young Democrats of Central Midlands (YDCM), as well as our collaborations with Aiken and Newberry counties, ensure a united front in contesting every available seat.
- Collaborative Fundraising: Through a joint Chili Cook-off with the RCDP, we raised over $1,300. We look forward to future cross-county events that bring our communities together.
- Community Presence & Visibility: From holiday parties, festivals and parades, our visibility is at an all-time high. We invite you to join us next Saturday at the No Kings Rally as we continue to table at local events and grow our presence.
- Coalition Building: Our recent joint efforts for the Pride Festival and various advocacy rallies underscore our commitment to working alongside our partners. We are stronger together, and these collaborations will only continue to expand.
- Investing in Future Leaders: As a testament to our growth, Lexington is proud to have a representative currently serving in the prestigious Clyburn Fellowship program.