Candidates rarely jump into races at the last minute by accident. This episode explores how South Carolina candidate recruitment, filing season timing, party support networks, and early signals of campaign viability shape who actually enters elections across the state. We look at how political parties, independent groups, and local dynamics influence the South Carolina governor’s race field and other contests before voters ever see the ballot. If you want to understand how South Carolina campaigns take shape before filing closes, this conversation explains the quiet decisions that shape who runs.

00:00 PAC Ads and Campaign Money

04:37 South Carolina Filing Period

07:09 SC Governor Race Funding Issues

13:04 Democrats, Gerrymandering, and Voter Power

19:00 Local Candidates and Filing Deadlines

26:47 PACs, 527s, and Dark Money

34:33 Part-Time Lawmakers and Outside Influence

37:00 How Campaign Money Buys Attention

43:50 Baseball Opening Day

Sam Skardon

Former Chairman, Charleston County Democratic Party

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-skardon-42198b65

Also available wherever you get your podcasts:

Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/frogmore-stew/id1714820542

Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/6pxy2KuAmOfHCOU7xFQHUj

There's more stew on Substack!

https://frogmorestew.substack.com/

Learn more about Frogmore Stew at https://www.frogmorestewsc.com/

On Instagram https://www.instagram.com/frogmorestewsc

on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@frogmorestewsc

Frogmore Stew is brought to you by The Alliance Coalition

The Alliance Coalition works to redistribute power back to YOU, the voter. We do this by collecting data on belief systems, providing clear and digestible political information, history and trends, while building a community for those of us who feel politically unhoused. We encourage all to engage in shaping our state’s future and communicating our thoughts about how to do that productively.

https://www.thealliancecoalition.org/

What happens when everyday creators become the bridge between the Statehouse and the public? In this conversation with South Carolina political influencers Laurie, Carrie, and Jessica, we explore how social media is changing political messaging, helping voters understand what lawmakers are doing, and connecting people across the state who thought they were alone in their views. From reproductive rights updates to library fights and legislative debates, these creators are building a direct-to-voter pipeline for real-time civic awareness. We discuss how grassroots political influencers, local statehouse updates, and South Carolina political organizing are reshaping how voters engage with state politics.

00:00 Introduction

04:03 Why They Started Political Content

07:10 Identity, Faith, and Politics in South Carolina

14:54 Does Advocacy Content Drive Change?

17:15 TikTok and the Political Influencer Economy

27:31 Mobilizing vs Organizing for Real Change

34:09 Digital Strategy and Women Driving Change

39:40 Messaging Strategy and Reaching New Voters

45:41 Independence and Respect Across Parties

50:37 Inclusion, Belonging, and Fixing Politics

Lori Douglas

https://tiktok.com/@calltoactsouthernstyle

Carey Shofner

https://tiktok.com/@messyasamother

Jessicka Spearman Childs

https://tiktok.com/@scjesckachilds

Also available wherever you get your podcasts:

Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/frogmore-stew/id1714820542

Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/6pxy2KuAmOfHCOU7xFQHUj

There's more stew on Substack!

https://frogmorestew.substack.com/

Learn more about Frogmore Stew at https://www.frogmorestewsc.com/

On Instagram https://www.instagram.com/frogmorestewsc

on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@frogmorestewsc

Frogmore Stew is brought to you by The Alliance Coalition

The Alliance Coalition works to redistribute power back to YOU, the voter. We do this by collecting data on belief systems, providing clear and digestible political information, history and trends, while building a community for those of us who feel politically unhoused. We encourage all to engage in shaping our state’s future and communicating our thoughts about how to do that productively.

https://www.thealliancecoalition.org/

What really happens when political leaders face breaking news and nonstop media pressure? Former Capitol Hill communications strategist Sarah Massey explains how crisis communication works inside the Speaker’s office and how political messaging reaches voters across the country. She shares how social media reshaped political communication, changed bipartisan relationships, and helped turn politics into a faster and more visible public conversation. This episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at modern political communications, Capitol Hill media strategy, and the growing role of social media in political discourse.

00:00 Introduction

01:28 Capitol Hill Comms Career

04:18 Crisis Management on Capitol Hill

08:06 Daily Life in the Capitol

13:52 How Policy and Messaging Connect

19:19 Social Media and Political Identity

26:04 Congress and Polarization

33:04 Inside the ONE Campaign

Sarah Massey

Strategic Communications & Public Affairs Leader

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-swinehart-massey/

Also available wherever you get your podcasts:

Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/frogmore-stew/id1714820542

Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/6pxy2KuAmOfHCOU7xFQHUj

There's more stew on Substack!

https://frogmorestew.substack.com/

Learn more about Frogmore Stew at https://www.frogmorestewsc.com/

On Instagram https://www.instagram.com/frogmorestewsc

on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@frogmorestewsc

Frogmore Stew is brought to you by The Alliance Coalition

The Alliance Coalition works to redistribute power back to YOU, the voter. We do this by collecting data on belief systems, providing clear and digestible political information, history and trends, while building a community for those of us who feel politically unhoused. We encourage all to engage in shaping our state’s future and communicating our thoughts about how to do that productively.

https://www.thealliancecoalition.org/

Safe politics is costing Democrats their connection to voters. We dig into why the Democratic Party feels out of touch, from a lack of authentic leadership to missed opportunities in rural communities and working class outreach. Drawing on real experiences in South Carolina politics, the episode explores how voter trust erodes when leaders fail to show up and address everyday struggles like healthcare, education, and poverty. If Democrats want to rebuild trust and reconnect with voters, it starts by taking risks, showing up, and doing the work.

00:00 Leadership Journey

07:20 Healthcare, Education, and Rural Poverty

14:24 Campaign Strategy and Voter Outreach

18:06 Party Division and 2026 Outlook

Also available wherever you get your podcasts:

Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/frogmore-stew/id1714820542

Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/6pxy2KuAmOfHCOU7xFQHUj

There's more stew on Substack!

https://frogmorestew.substack.com/

Learn more about Frogmore Stew at https://www.frogmorestewsc.com/

On Instagram https://www.instagram.com/frogmorestewsc

on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@frogmorestewsc

Frogmore Stew is brought to you by The Alliance Coalition

The Alliance Coalition works to redistribute power back to YOU, the voter. We do this by collecting data on belief systems, providing clear and digestible political information, history and trends, while building a community for those of us who feel politically unhoused. We encourage all to engage in shaping our state’s future and communicating our thoughts about how to do that productively.

https://www.thealliancecoalition.org/

“I'm going back to South Carolina and asking them to send their sons and daughters to the Middle East.” That line from Senator Lindsey Graham raises a hard question for families across the state. Grace breaks down the history of the U.S.–Iran conflict, from the 1979 Iran hostage crisis and the Reagan era Iran-Contra scandal to decades of sanctions, diplomacy, and nuclear deal debates. This episode explains how American foreign policy decisions shaped today’s tensions with Iran and what another Middle East war could mean for South Carolina families and service members.

00:00 Media Overload and Political Chaos

03:00 America’s Domestic Crisis Today

04:47 Hostage Crisis and Iran-Contra Scandal

09:18 Why Americans Fear Iran Today

12:29 War With Iran and What Comes Next

Also available wherever you get your podcasts:

Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/frogmore-stew/id1714820542

Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/6pxy2KuAmOfHCOU7xFQHUj

There's more stew on Substack!

https://frogmorestew.substack.com/

Learn more about Frogmore Stew at https://www.frogmorestewsc.com/

On Instagram https://www.instagram.com/frogmorestewsc

on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@frogmorestewsc

Frogmore Stew is brought to you by The Alliance Coalition

The Alliance Coalition works to redistribute power back to YOU, the voter. We do this by collecting data on belief systems, providing clear and digestible political information, history and trends, while building a community for those of us who feel politically unhoused. We encourage all to engage in shaping our state’s future and communicating our thoughts about how to do that productively.

https://www.thealliancecoalition.org/

America’s political divide feels wider than ever, but what is really driving it? Former South Carolina state senator Penry Gustafson joins the conversation to talk about party loyalty tests, Trump support, and why Republicans and Democrats often misunderstand each other. The discussion explores how national politics shapes state politics, why voters feel pushed away from political parties, and how authenticity in leadership influences voters. From media narratives to the Ten Commandments bill in South Carolina, this conversation digs into the real forces behind political polarization in America.

00:00 Introduction

02:20 Penry Gustafson’s Political Roots

07:36 Feeling Overlooked in Senate

11:13 Party Tensions in the Senate

13:48 GOP Delegate Fight

16:53 National vs State Politics

19:53 Civics and How Laws Work

23:30 Trump, ICE, and Policy Priorities

28:27 Democratic Party Divisions

32:39 Authenticity in Politics and Trump’s Appeal

34:41 Safety, Identity, and Human Nature

36:39 South Carolina Ten Commandments Bill

40:47 Teen Slang, Theater, and Closing

Penry Gustafson

Fmr. South Carolina State Senator

https://www.instagram.com/penry_gustafson/

Also available wherever you get your podcasts:

Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/frogmore-stew/id1714820542

Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/6pxy2KuAmOfHCOU7xFQHUj

There's more stew on Substack!

https://frogmorestew.substack.com/

Learn more about Frogmore Stew at https://www.frogmorestewsc.com/

On Instagram https://www.instagram.com/frogmorestewsc

on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@frogmorestewsc

Frogmore Stew is brought to you by The Alliance Coalition

The Alliance Coalition works to redistribute power back to YOU, the voter. We do this by collecting data on belief systems, providing clear and digestible political information, history and trends, while building a community for those of us who feel politically unhoused. We encourage all to engage in shaping our state’s future and communicating our thoughts about how to do that productively.

https://www.thealliancecoalition.org/

We take a hard look at the identity crisis facing the Democratic Party in South Carolina and across the country. Former Congressman Joe Cunningham joins the conversation to discuss rebuilding party credibility, reconnecting with working class voters, and why generational leadership change may be necessary for the party’s future. The discussion explores the fallout from the 2024 election, the limits of a third party movement like No Labels, and the growing number of independent voters reshaping American politics. If Democrats want to win back trust and compete in red states, the path forward may require new ideas, new leaders, and a new message.

00:00 Introduction

04:45 Changing Politics in South Carolina

07:27 No Labels and Third-Party

14:27 Democratic Credibility and Party Renewal

24:06 Independent Voters and the Democratic Reset

29:37 The Democratic Path Forward

Joe Cunningham

Former Congressman, SC 1st Congressional District

https://www.joecunninghamlaw.com/

Also available wherever you get your podcasts:

Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/frogmore-stew/id1714820542

Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/6pxy2KuAmOfHCOU7xFQHUj

There's more stew on Substack!

https://frogmorestew.substack.com/

Learn more about Frogmore Stew at https://www.frogmorestewsc.com/

On Instagram https://www.instagram.com/frogmorestewsc

on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@frogmorestewsc

Frogmore Stew is brought to you by The Alliance Coalition

The Alliance Coalition works to redistribute power back to YOU, the voter. We do this by collecting data on belief systems, providing clear and digestible political information, history and trends, while building a community for those of us who feel politically unhoused. We encourage all to engage in shaping our state’s future and communicating our thoughts about how to do that productively.

https://www.thealliancecoalition.org/

What if ordinary South Carolinians could help write the laws that govern their lives? Andrew Shue explains the South Carolina Forum, a citizen assembly experiment designed to bring people from across the state together to deliberate, reach 70 percent consensus, and propose real legislation to lawmakers. We discuss gerrymandering, political polarization, and why many voters feel disconnected from the decisions made in Columbia. If you are interested in citizen assemblies, democracy reform, and the future of South Carolina politics, this episode dives into whether a people powered approach could change the system.

00:00 Introduction

02:06 South Carolina Forum and Assembly Process

08:05 Direct Democracy and Gerrymandering

11:57 Choosing Citizen Assembly Delegates

15:04 Polarization and Electoral Reform

21:50 Andrew Shue’s Activism Journey

26:46 Call to Action and Closing

Andrew Shue

Founder of The South Carolina Forum

https://scforum.org/

There's more stew on Substack!

https://frogmorestew.substack.com/

Learn more about Frogmore Stew at https://www.frogmorestewsc.com/

On Instagram https://www.instagram.com/frogmorestewsc

on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@frogmorestewsc

Frogmore Stew is brought to you by The Alliance Coalition

The Alliance Coalition works to redistribute power back to YOU, the voter. We do this by collecting data on belief systems, providing clear and digestible political information, history and trends, while building a community for those of us who feel politically unhoused. We encourage all to engage in shaping our state’s future and communicating our thoughts about how to do that productively.

https://www.thealliancecoalition.org/

What does it actually mean to pledge allegiance to a political party in 2026? Jalisa Washington Price joins Frogmore Stew to unpack the Democratic Party identity crisis, the struggle to win back working class voters, and the challenge of engaging independents in South Carolina. From post 2024 election lessons to big tent strategy versus purity tests, this conversation dives into party branding, grassroots organizing in the South, and how Democrats can reconnect with everyday people. If you care about the future of Democratic politics in South Carolina and beyond, this is a conversation you cannot miss.

00:00 Rebuilding South Carolina Democrats

05:26 Party Branding and Grassroots Reset

12:19 State vs National Tensions

14:17 Progressive Energy Rising

16:57 Big Tent vs Purity Politics

18:29 The Future of South Carolina Politics

Jalisa Washington Price

Political Strategist / Communication Advisor

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jalisa-washington-price/

There's more stew on Substack!

https://frogmorestew.substack.com/

Learn more about Frogmore Stew at https://www.frogmorestewsc.com/

On Instagram https://www.instagram.com/frogmorestewsc

on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@frogmorestewsc

Frogmore Stew is brought to you by The Alliance Coalition

The Alliance Coalition works to redistribute power back to YOU, the voter. We do this by collecting data on belief systems, providing clear and digestible political information, history and trends, while building a community for those of us who feel politically unhoused. We encourage all to engage in shaping our state’s future and communicating our thoughts about how to do that productively.

https://www.thealliancecoalition.org/

The Rise of Christian Nationalism is not a fringe story unfolding in the shadows. It is a fast growing movement reshaping politics, churches, and communities across America. Grace sits down with CNN chief investigative correspondent Pamela Brown to unpack the ideology behind Christian nationalism, its push to redefine church and state, and its growing influence in Washington and beyond. From biblical hierarchy and household voting to Trump’s alignment with conservative Christian leaders, this conversation explores how faith, power, gender roles, and political authority are converging in ways many experts say the country has never seen.

00:00 Introduction

02:46 What Is Christian Nationalism?

07:47 Church, Power & Politics

12:15 Patriarchy & Women’s Stories

17:01 Community or Cult?

18:55 Scripture, Gender, and Household Power

28:05 Trump and Christian Power Nationalism

31:38 Faith and Politics

Pamela Brown

CNN Anchor / Chief Investigative Correspondent

https://www.instagram.com/pamelabrowncnn

There's more stew on Substack!

https://frogmorestew.substack.com/

Learn more about Frogmore Stew at https://www.frogmorestewsc.com/

On Instagram https://www.instagram.com/frogmorestewsc

on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@frogmorestewsc

Frogmore Stew is brought to you by The Alliance Coalition

The Alliance Coalition works to redistribute power back to YOU, the voter. We do this by collecting data on belief systems, providing clear and digestible political information, history and trends, while building a community for those of us who feel politically unhoused. We encourage all to engage in shaping our state’s future and communicating our thoughts about how to do that productively.

https://www.thealliancecoalition.org/