Elections 2026: Anderson County Democratic Party Goals

Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer

It’s an election year, and the Anderson Observer sent questions to the leadership of the county's two major political parties asking for an outline of their goals, priorities and objectives for the year.

Answers are unedited, allowing the party leadership to tell their stories in their own words.

Here are the answers from the Anderson County Democratic Party:

1. Tell me a little about the history of the Anderson County Democratic Party. 

The history of the Anderson County Democratic Party is deeply tied to South Carolina's solid Democratic past, rooted in post-Civil War white supremacy and agrarian interests, evolving through segregation (Dixiecrats). These Dixiecrats became Republicans in response to the birth of the National Democratic Party. The Democratic Party opposed slavery and was founded on the people’s right to vote, overcoming segregation in the South. In doing so, the Democratic Party became an inclusive party, primarily supported when it came to voting by Black and African American voters who advocated freedom for all people. As such, our local Democratic Party has continued to uphold this freedom and the representation of all people. The Democratic Party believes in “We the people,” in the United States Constitution. We believe that we are created with the right to pursue liberty and justice for all. Several Chairs have served throughout the history of the Anderson Democratic Party, but the new Chair has recently established a record of history to preserve for future generations. Reverend Dr. Ernest E. Mackins, GCDF, who was elected in September 2025, is a local community leader and advocate with 28 years of Education (Educator) experience. He is the Senior Pastor at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Anderson, SC, with over 17 years of experience in church ministry. “Dr, Mackins holds these beliefs, ACDP welcomes people of all faiths, as well as those who answer to conscience outside of religion. We deeply adhere to the constitutional principle that separates church and state.” Reverend Dr. Mackins is also a veteran of the US Army who served during the Desert Storm Campaign. He believes that we are all made in God’s image and, as such, we should love all people and love them as Jesus Christ loves us. The party will continue to address the community's local needs, including affordability, better roads, more affordable housing, and housing for the homeless. 

2. How many members do you have, and how does someone join? 

Our party's membership in Anderson, South Carolina, is about 270, and we are still growing. If you want to learn more about the Democratic Party, visit our website: https://www.andersoncountyscdemocrats.org/. To join our party, just come to our monthly meeting, which is scheduled on our website calendar, or go to our Facebook page and join through ACT BLUE: https://www.facebook.com/andersondemocrats. Membership is $25.00 a year, although recurring contributions are encouraged. 

3. What are the three top priorities of the Anderson County Democratic Party for 2025? 

The Anderson County Democratic Party shares the same top priorities as the rest of the country–affordability (food, rent, housing, and health care), free and fair elections, and closing the wealth gap.

4. How do you hope to accomplish these goals/objectives? 

By reaching other dissatisfied voters, correcting the constant flow of misinformation, and encouraging them to vote according to their needs, not because they always voted one way or another.

      Affordability - By keeping residents informed of their options regarding these issues.  We can reach out to organizations that assist with resources.

      Free & Fair Elections - We will update and inform county residents of how to register, any changes to the process and the need for everyone to vote.

      Closing the Wealth Gap - Reaching out through calls, emails and letters writing to our representatives to express our concerns over this issue. We will protest when necessary and clarify facts over lies to the public through social media.

5. How will succeeding in these goals help Anderson County? 

Affordability will lead to happier and healthier citizens. As they say, "A rising tide lifts all boats." The better life is for the least of us makes a better life for the rest of us. 

6. What are the top three challenges facing Anderson County in 2026? 

The three challenges facing Anderson County in 2026 are Housing Shortages and Affordability, Infrastructure needs such as local and county roads, and Rapid Population growth and homelessness. People need to be able to afford their groceries and medicine without having to choose between the two. People need affordable homes where they can live and grow along with the County. People should still be able to accomplish the American dream. As of today, that future is not so bright. 

7. What is the role of Anderson County’s elected officials at all levels, state, county, and cities/towns? 

Just as any other elected officials, those in Anderson County should represent the people, not special interests or themselves. They should be concerned with making Anderson County a better place to live for everyone, not just for those who voted for them.

8. Should county council elections be bipartisan? Why or why not? 

County council elections should not be partisan. Local government is closest to the people, and its work is primarily practical rather than ideological. County councils deal with roads, zoning, public safety, schools, budgets, and basic service issues that require problem-solving, collaboration, and responsiveness to community needs, not party loyalty.

Making these elections bipartisan risks shifting the focus from competence and character to party labels. Voters may support or oppose candidates based on national political trends rather than their understanding of local issues or their ability to govern effectively. This can deepen polarization and discourage cooperation once officials are elected.

Nonpartisan elections encourage candidates to build broader coalitions and appeal to the entire community. They allow voters to evaluate individuals on experience, integrity, and vision rather than party affiliation. While candidates inevitably hold personal political beliefs, removing party labels helps keep the emphasis on serving the county rather than advancing a partisan agenda.

Ultimately, county government works best when leaders prioritize solutions over slogans and neighbors over parties.

9. Where is the best place for voters to find information for the local and state 2026 elections? 

Our website is an excellent source for information about local and state parties, and Ballotpedia and the League of Women Voters are excellent non-partisan resources.

https://www.andersoncountyscdemocrats.org/

10.  What are three things not covered in these questions that are of major concern to the Anderson County Democratic Party in the year ahead?

The unresponsiveness of Washington politicians to their constituents' concerns. Countless emails and phone calls are either ignored or responded to with talking points. Instead of listening to the people they are supposed to represent, Senators Graham and Scott and GOP representatives are ignoring their constitutional obligations, and decisions that affect all of us are being made by billionaires and special interests. They are not doing anything to improve the lives of the poor and middle class. They only seek divisiveness and follow the whims of Washington, D.C. The people, for whom they supposedly work, are invisible to them.