Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear talks political strategy, flipping seats in visit to Greenville
More: Two key Democratic politicians turn their focus to South Carolina with upcoming visits
Beshear also traveled to Columbia, Charleston, and Georgetown County to connect with Democratic Party leaders and engage with labor movement representatives. He is part of a growing list of Democratic politicians on the national political scene attempting to build ties with South Carolina voters, activists, and politicians.
He pointed to several reasons why he made the trip to the Palmetto State without mentioning a possible 2028 presidential campaign. The reasons were an invite from the AFL-CIO, an invite from the Georgetown County Democratic Party, a desire to be a "get things done" voice in politics and his son's baseball game, he said.
"I'm traveling more because I'm trying to be a common sense, common ground, get things done type of voice," Beshear said. "My focus is on this year."
The Kentucky governor started his tour in Greenville at the state's annual American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO) convention.
The convention made up leaders from top labor organizations like the Communication Workers of America (CWA), the International Longshoremen's Association (ILA), and Southern Workers Assembly. Wire technicians for AT&T and port workers represented by the CWA and ILA, respectively, went on strike last year amid contract negotiations.
Beshear referenced similarities between his home state, Kentucky, and South Carolina with their manufacturing base and long-established anti-union sentiments.
South Carolina is a right-to-work state, meaning it has laws in place that prevent an employer from requiring union membership or the payment of union dues. Many states with such laws have significantly lower rate of unionization, a comparison based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data shows. South Carolina has one of the lowest unionization rates in the country with union members making up about 2.8% of the state's workers.
"In Kentucky, they passed all of the same anti-union laws and our union membership is going up," Beshear said. "What happens when business is able to take a look at and work with our unions? They find they do really incredible work."
AFL-CIO took the time to commend Beshear for his ability to beat Kentucky gubernatorial candidates whom Republican politicians, including President Donald Trump and Sen. Mitch McConnell, backed.
He was first elected Kentucky governor in 2019 after he beat Republican Matt Bevin by just under half a percentage point. That margin of victory rose to 5% in 2023, when he won reelection against Republican Daniel Cameron.
"People often ask me how you do it?" Beshear said when he took the stage. "You win by staying true to our values of compassion, of empathy, and of doing right by our agents."
Beshear connects with Greenville County political leaders
Greenville City Councilmember Michelle Shain later hosted Beshear and local political leaders at her home for a reception, where the Kentucky governor discussed the importance of settling political differences and meeting people where they are.
More: Greenville won't have a municipal primary election this year, and here's the reason why
Numerous local Democratic politicians attended the event, including Greenville City Councilmember Lillian Brock Flemming and city council candidate Tine Belge. State politicians Rep. Chandra Dillard (D-Greenville), Rep. Wendell Jones (D-Greenville) and former South Carolina Gov. Dick Riley also attended.
Beshear laid out three ways he thinks the Democratic Party should attract a stronger voter base: focusing on people's everyday needs, meeting people where they are, and explaining the reason behind their beliefs.
"The opening is there," Beshear said. "I am living proof that we can and we should win everywhere."
Stacey Mars, chair of the Greenville County Democratic Party (GCDP), and Kathryn Harvey, chair of the Spartanburg County Democratic Party (SCDP), helped organize the meeting with Beshear.
Mars said local Democratic organizers are strategizing and working to send a message that resonates with voters for the 2026 elections.
"The fact that a Democrat was able to win in Kentucky, it gives us hope that we can do the same thing here," Mars said.
Harvey is campaigning for Spartanburg County's District 3 seat after longtime councilmember David Britt stepped down. She said focusing on local elections and flipping those seats is just as important as the upcoming 2026 race for U.S. Senate.
"Think about how much impact you have as a city council person, a mayor, a county council person," Harvey said. "It's where people can see change."
Three Greenville City Council seats are up for election this year, two of which have multiple candidates. There will also be a special election in Spartanburg County to fill Britts' seat.
More: Lee Johnson of Greenville drops out Senate race, cites need for Democratic Party unity
One of South Carolina's Senate seats, all House seats and the state's governor's office are up for election next year. Numerous Democrats and Republicans have launched campaigns to fill incumbent Sen. Lindsey Graham's seat. Lee Johnson of Greenville dropped out of the race for Senate on July 17, citing a need for more unity in the Democratic fight to unseat Graham.
Bella Carpentier covers the South Carolina legislature, state, and Greenville County politics. Contact her at bcarpentier@gannett.com
This article originally appeared on Greenville News: Beshear speaks at AFL-CIO conference, meets with SC politicians
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