It was really terrific to see so many good friends this past weekend at the Convention in Columbia. I have never, and I mean never, seen this type of confidence and enthusiasm among party leaders in South Carolina.   We're believing in ourselves and our ability to win and move South Carolina forward and I adore it!

Another "I have never" was the standing ovation you District 1 folks gave me in the caucus!!   And the memory of the "Linda, Linda, Linda" chant will always humble me and also keep my battery charged for months!  And, let's not forget how well we sang Zachius!

I was glad for the opportunity to share my plan for a new path forward for South Carolina and for our country. The "same old" just won't do anymore, and I am tremendously grateful for the endorsement of so many leaders who agree that now is our time here in the 1^st district.

Last Thursday, I announced my candidacy for congress and as my first official act, I curbed the pollen by having it rain torrentially!  Seriously, the spirit of excitement in the tent at our first stop, Charleston, was palpable and positive as we begin this journey together down a new path forward for the first district and for South Carolina!   If I ever doubted our district's readiness for constructive change, it was dispelled that morning in the pouring rain.  The energy and excitement under that packed tent was electrifying!  

What a morning! Linda stood today in front of friends, family and supporters to announce her candidacy for congress in South Carolina’s first congressional district. The size and energy of the crowd was a tribute to the incredible momentum behind Linda’s candidacy and to the district’s strong desire for change. We’re on the road now headed to Pawley’s Island, Conway, Georgetown and Myrtle Beach to begin what will be a challenging journey between now and November. Challenging because it’s never easy to change the way things are done, to move forward by choosing a new path – to look toward the future and encourage new thoughts and ideas. But something Linda said this morning really resonated with me. She said “It’s time to believe in ourselves and our decency and ingenuity as a people capable of performing extraordinary deeds.” As someone who’s made a life of politics, things rarely move me. But these words, spoken by someone who I know believes them deeply, motivate me, as they did the crowd this morning, to believe in our ability to act together to bring about the type of change that changes communities and changes lives. I’m really excited to be on this journey with Linda and with all of you as we stand at that fork in the road, looking toward a new path forward.