Tom Steyer 2020
February 18, 2020

Steyer’s South Carolina Endorsers Call on Tom Perez to Ensure All Leading Candidates in Nevada and South Carolina Make the Debate Stage

(Columbia, SC, February 18, 2020) –– Today, prominent South Carolinian endorsers of Democratic presidential candidate Tom Steyer sent a letter to Democratic National Committee (DNC) Chairman Tom Perez, calling on the DNC to ensure more polls in Nevada and South Carolina are counted so that the voices of these two critical, diverse early states can be represented on the debate stage Wednesday night. The endorsers, including Chairman of the South Carolina Legislative Black Caucus Jerry Govan, Chairman of the South Carolina Democratic Black Caucus Johnnie Cordero, and Greenwood County Council Member Edith Childs, who is known for coining President Barack Obama’s “fired up and ready to go” chant, cited a dearth of polling in the DNC’s arbitrarily chosen qualification window. Below is the text of the full letter:

Chairman Perez,

We are extremely concerned that the qualification criteria for the next DNC debate in Las Vegas Wednesday night will effectively silence the voices of Nevadans and South Carolinians, the first two truly diverse states to participate in this pivotal election.

The previous two polling windows have been 56-58 days and this recent period window has been cut to 35 days. In the DNC’s current window, there hasn’t been a single qualifying poll conducted in Nevada or South Carolina and only one poll added. We fear that this trend will continue ahead of future debates, and will shut out contenders of the nomination who already enjoy wide support in these states, including Tom Steyer. This is especially problematic given the wide open nature of this race, in which we have seen major shifts happen in short periods of time.

One week before the DNC started the window, Tom Steyer’s campaign met the criteria for the Nevada debate in two Fox News polls that showed his campaign at 15% in South Carolina and 12% in Nevada. This momentum was confirmed in more recent polls conducted by The Post and Courier and East Carolina University, which show Steyer as a leading candidate with 18% and 19% support respectively. Significantly, the Post and Courier poll showed Steyer earning 24% support amongst black voters, only six points behind first-placed Joe Biden.

Unfortunately, neither The Post and Courier poll nor the ECU poll meet the DNC’s standards for qualifications. These polls undeniably demonstrate, however, that Tom Steyer has significant support in these diverse states and underscore the need for the DNC to ensure more qualifying polls in Nevada and South Carolina.

The number of qualifying polls and breathless media coverage of those polls in Iowa and New Hampshire is not lost on us. It would be a shame if the same amount of attention and polling was not paid to the next two early states.

Thank you for your attention to this issue.

Patrick Berry, Denmark Citizens for Safe Water

Detra Bruce, Denmark Citizens for Safe Water

Bianca Chardei, former America’s Next Top Model contestant

Edith Childs, Greenwood County Council Member

Gilda Cobb-Hunter, Member of the South Carolina House of Representatives

Johnnie Cordero, Chairman of the South Carolina Democratic Black Caucus

Rosie Craig, Founding member of the Congaree Southeast Vista Guild

Chandra Dillard, Member of the South Carolina House of Representatives

Thomas Dixon, Pastor

Jerry Govan, Chairman of the South Carolina Legislative Black Caucus

Pat Henegan, Member of the South Carolina House of Representatives

Ronald Henegan, former Chair of the Marlboro County School Board

Chestnut Ilenia, Denmark Citizens for Safe Water

Liz Keitt, Member of the Orangeburg City Council

John King, Member of the South Carolina House of Representatives

Annie McDaniel, Member of the South Carolina House of Representatives

David Mitchell, Recreational leader

Harold Mitchell, former Member of the South Carolina House of Representatives

Deborah Morrow, Founder of Tell Them Tuesday

Russell Ott, Member of the South Carolina House of Representatives

Lois Roberts, Denmark Citizens for Safe Water

Leola Robinson-Simpson, Member of the South Carolina House of Representatives

John Scott, Member of the South Carolina State Senate

Shedron Williams, Member of the South Carolina House of Representatives

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Tom Steyer 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 16, 2020

Representative Patricia Moore “Pat” Henegan Endorses Tom Steyer

(Columbia, SC, Feb 16, 2020 ) –– Another member of the South Carolina House of Representatives has endorsed Tom Steyer. Patricia Moore “Pat” Henegan (D-54) was elected to the House of Representatives in 2014. Since that time she has become a well-respected leader and a fierce advocate for her constituents. Before joining the legislature, Henegan built a stellar reputation for her commitment to the community. She served with multiple organizations such as Leadership Carolina, Kiwanis of the Carolinas, Pee Dee Citizens Committee on Judicial Qualifications, Man2Man Fatherhood Initiative, Joint Center for Social Change, Children’s Defense Freedom Schools, among others.

As an experienced educator – formerly a teacher and Superintendent – Henegan realizes how integral it is to ensure all children have equal access to a quality education no matter what zip code they are born into.

“In my careful research of all the candidates in this race, Tom Steyer stood out to me for several reasons,” said Henegan. She continued, “I looked over his 5 Rights and as an educator, his stance on education is spot on for me! Tom values the importance of public education and believes that all Americans have the right to a free, quality, public education that begins from the time a child is old enough to enter preschool. We know that 3rd-grade reading levels have determined the success that a child will have in life and early childhood education is crucial. I believe Tom Steyer will fight for our children to receive the type of education they deserve and he will fight for decent wages for educators as well.”

Of this endorsement, Steyer says: “I am thrilled to have received the endorsement of Pat Henegan. She is a champion for education in the state of South Carolina and a powerful force in the South Carolina House of Representatives who knows the importance of putting people over politics.”

Henegan joins South Carolina House members Leola Robinson-Simpson, Russell Ott, John King, Shedron Williams, Annie McDaniel and former Representative, Harold Mitchell who have all given their support to Tom Steyer as endorsers.

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Ahead of Iowa Caucus, New Poll Shows Steyer Cracking Biden’s SC Firewall as Campaign Announces Endorsements from Diverse Group of Leaders

(Des Moines, IA, Feb. 2, 2020) — A new poll by the Charleston Post and Courier released a day before the Iowa Caucus, Democratic presidential candidate Tom Steyer surged to second place amongst African Americans in South Carolina, showing a significant crack in Vice President Biden’s firewall. Tom received the support of 24 percent of black voters, just 6 points behind Biden. Overall, the poll showed Biden’s lowest total number of support to date in the primary at just 25 percent with Steyer only 7 points behind at 18 percent.

The Steyer campaign also announced a slate of key early and Super Tuesday state endorsements. Combined with rising poll numbers in Nevada and South Carolina, Steyer’s endorsements are evidence that he is one of the few candidates in the race who can build a broad, diverse coalition of Americans necessary to win the Democratic nomination and beat Trump in November.

Steyer’s message of pursuing economic and environmental justice, especially in communities of color, is resonating with key groups and leaders. Yesterday, Mattie Thomas, chair of the Black Women’s Caucus of South Carolina, announced that the Black Women’s Caucus of South Carolina is endorsing Steyer’s presidential bid.

Steyer also recently earned endorsements from Robin Bradford, Former Mecklenburg County Democratic Chair in North Carolina, and Raymond Smith, member of the North Carolina House of Representatives. Rep. Raymond Smith endorsed Steyer for his plan to prioritize rural economic development, expand opportunities for farmers, and pursue affordable, equitable solutions on health care.

Yesterday, Steyer also gained the support of Iowa NAACP President Betty Andrews because of his ability to challenge Trump on the economy, commitment to justice in marginalized communities, and dedication to putting people over profits.

This week, Steyer also earned Holly Brown’s endorsement, who serves as chair of the Iowa Democratic Party’s Asian and Pacific Islander Caucus. Brown recognized that Steyer’s values and vision for the country is one that will empower and pursue justice for communities of color, including the AAPI community.

Recent Fox News polling in Nevada has Steyer polling at 12%, putting Steyer in third place. Morning Consult continues to have Steyer in third place, polling at 17% in early states – up 2% from the previous week. Steyer knows that justice for communities of color begins with talking about it in every room he’s in, especially in rooms full of predominantly white people. As primary season kicks off in Iowa tomorrow night, Steyer is looking forward to engaging with more voters, building momentum on the ground, and making his case to more Americans that he is the best Democrat to build a diverse, winning coalition of Americans to beat Trump in November.

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Tom Steyer 2020
Tom Steyer 2020
January 10, 2020

Steyer Campaign Announces New Round of Early State Endorsements

(SAN FRANCISCO, CA, January 10, 2020) — Momentum continues to build behind Tom Steyer’s bid for the Democratic presidential nomination as three key leaders from New Hampshire, South Carolina and Wisconsin today announced their formal endorsement of the campaign.

From the Town of Rye in New Hampshire, Mae Bradshaw, the elected chair of the Rye’s Budget Committee, endorsed Steyer, citing his strong business background and commitment to building an economy that works for all Americans as reasons.

“Tom Steyer is a successful businessman who knows how to balance a budget and grow our economy in a way that benefits everyone. I am proud to support Tom because of his incredible track record of getting things done and because I believe he is the best candidate to take on Donald Trump when it comes to the economy.”

On the heels of a recent Fox News Poll showing Steyer in second place in her state of South Carolina with 15% support, Orangeburg City Councilwoman Liz Zimmermann Keitt pointed to Steyer’s dedication to combating climate change and guaranteeing quality education for all as central reasons for her endorsement.

“As an educator, I’ve spent my career working to put young people on a path to success, but young people’s futures are endangered when our leaders fail to invest in education and take action to combat climate change,” said Keitt. “That’s why I’m standing with the only candidate who will make protecting our planet his number one issue and put our children’s futures first, and I urge all South Carolinians to do the same.”

Milwaukee, WI immigration activist and community leader Norma Duckworth also formally endorsed Steyer, underscoring Tom’s commitment to passing humane immigration policies and leadership on condemning the current administration’s immigration policies.

“Tom was the only candidate on the December debate stage who denounced Trump’s immigration policies for what they are – racist,” said Duckworth. “Tom is the leader we need to undo Trump’s harmful policies. Tom has supported organizations that have represented more than a thousand immigrants and refugees, supported DACA applicants, and recruited thousands of volunteers to help along the way, including pro-bono lawyers, interpreters and mental health professionals. While other candidates talk about what they plan to do, Tom has been doing the work for years,” concluded Duckworth.

Today’s announcement continues the momentum produced by other recent early state endorsements. In December, liberal activist and former Iowa state lawmaker Ed Fallon announced his endorsement of Steyer. Subsequently, the Chicano Latino Immigrant Democratic Club of Los Angeles County’s voted to formally endorse the campaign, with the group’s President, Cesar Gamboa, also personally endorsing Steyer. These endorsements followed that of Carlos Alacala, the Chair of the Chicano Latino Caucus of the California Democratic Party, who emphasized Steyer’s ability to go head to head with Trump in justifying his endorsement.

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Tom Steyer 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Monday, December 23, 2019
(SOUTH CAROLINA, December 23, 2019) –– Today, presidential candidate for the Democratic nomination Tom Steyer was endorsed in South Carolina by Rep. Leola Robinson-Simpson, Mayor Barbara Hopkins of Sellers, former Chair of Marlboro County School Board, Ronald Henegan, and founding member of the Conargee Southeast Vista Guild, Rosie Craig.

Rep. Robinson-Simpson serves in the South Carolina House of Representatives in District 25. As an avid supporter of education, Robinson-Simpson and others announce their support for Steyer after a solid debate performance, the rollout of his plan to invest $125 billion of federal funds into HBCUs, and commitment to expand Medicaid in South Carolina if elected president.

Rep. Robinson-Simpson said of Steyer: 

“As the primary nears, it is time to get behind a Democratic candidate that is fit to serve as commander in chief. Today, I am proud to announce that I will be lending my support to presidential candidate Tom Steyer.  After meeting Tom and hearing his plans to prosper our country, I am confident that he will be the people’s president: a president that South Carolinians and African-Americans can count on, at a time when our current president stokes hate, division, and racism. Tom’s focus on improving our failing education system and prioritizing Medicaid expansion is the type of bold action we need. This is why we need him in the White House.”

Mayor Barbara Hopkins is also backing Steyer’s campaign for the presidency. Hopkins recently sat down with Tom’s son, Sam Steyer, after he delivered a stump speech in Sellers, SC, where he shared his father’s transformative vision for America.  Mayor Hopkins said, “Tom is the choice and resolution to bringing organization to our country. He has a very welcoming spirit and seems to be God-led.”

Other Steyer endorsers include Rep. Jerry Govan, of Orangeburg; former Rep.Harold Mitchell, of Spartanburg; and Rep.Russell Ott of Calhoun County. At a recent campaign stop in Hopkins, South Carolina, Steyer also earned the support of political activist and pastor Thomas Dixon of Charleston, and America’s Next Top Model Alumni, Bianca Chardei.

Steyer has seen momentum,  a new Morning Consult poll was released ahead of the Debate showing him in 4th place in early voting states where Steyer has been on the ground speaking with voters. 

Steyer’s campaign returns to the state in early January, with stops in Columbia, Greenville, Charleston, Florence, and Myrtle Beach.

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State Rep. Russell Ott (District 93, St. Matthews) [Assistant Minority Leader]

See: Maayan Schecter.  "SC House lawmaker says he is endorsing Tom Steyer for president."  The State, Nov. 7, 2019.

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Tom Steyer 2020
September 10, 2019

Tom Steyer Lands Endorsement from Former State Representative Harold Mitchell in South Carolina

(SOUTH CAROLINA, September 10, 2019) — Today, Democratic presidential candidate Tom Steyer was endorsed by former South Carolina State Rep and founder of the ReGenesis Project, Harold Mitchell.

“After meeting with all the primary candidates, Tom Steyer is the best candidate that can address climate and environmental justice issues that I have seen being a frontline activist for environmental justice. It is going to take bold action to heal our vulnerable communities. ReGenesis has provided housing, healthcare, and economic development for the community and these are the traits that Tom Steyer’s track record has demonstrated,” said Mitchell. “Tom is already doing the work that others are talking about. I believe Tom’s presidency will address the systematic environmental injustices to transform vulnerable communities from surviving to thriving. He is the only authentic candidate left who has a track record of solutions that is ready for the climate and environmental justice battle. That is why I am on his team one hundred percent.”

“Mitchell is one of the foremost leaders in environmental justice in South Carolina. He is a tireless servant in the community and I am proud to have earned his support,” said Steyer. “I look forward to working alongside Mr. Mitchell and speaking with voters in their communities about taking our democracy back from corporate interests and restoring the power back to the American people.”

Mitchell’s endorsement of Tom Steyer is one of the foremost coveted and sought after endorsements to score in the Palmetto State. Steyer and Mitchell joined each other to make the formal announcement at the CC Woodson Community Center in Spartanburg,SC.

Prior to stepping down due to health issues in 2017, Mitchell held the House District 31 seat for 13 years and is a trusted voice in the community. Since 1997, the former State Representative has been committed to advocating for vulnerable communities that have been negatively impacted by environmental racism. Through the award-winning ReGenesis Project, Mitchell has been the driving force behind the cleanup of contaminated and abandoned properties, community revitalization, and bridging the gap in economic development in underserved communities.